The women’s hockey team is shaking off the rust from the offseason and eagerly awaiting getting the season underway. The Red is looking to improve on last season’s 12-14-5 record, which was good for eighth in the ECAC Hockey, and advance past the first round of the playoffs — something it hasn’t been able to do the past two seasons. How the team plays this weekend in its season-opening two-game series against Mercyhurst is sure to be a good litmus test for the success of its season.

“Mercyhurst will be a great challenge,” said fifth-year head coach Doug Derraugh. “They are a strong, physical and very well-coached team.”

Head-to-head, Mercyhurst has dominated Cornell, going 9-0-1. But, the Red isn’t the least bit intimidated about facing Mercyhurst on consecutive days at Lynah Rink.