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.

“The team is excited about being able to go against a top-notch team right off the bat,” Derraugh said.

“It will be a good way to jump-start the year,” said senior captain Liz Zorn.

With the loss of seven letter winners, this year’s team has a new look. Nonetheless, Derraugh asserted that this year’s team is “more balanced.”

“We have three solid lines, any of which can score on any given night,” he said, “and we have bolstered our defense by adding two national caliber defensemen. We also have two very capable goaltenders.”

“This year we have a small roster, only 18,” stated Zorn, “it means with everyone in the lineup every week, we all have to be very fit. And, each person will have to take on bigger responsibility.”

Despite the loss of leading scorer Rebecca Johnston and prized recruit Brianne Jenner, both of whom will spend the season with Team Canada as they prepare for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Derraugh is confident in his team’s ability to pick up the slack.

“Our forwards are just going to have to take on bigger roles,” he said. “It gives them an opportunity to show what they can do.”

Zorn expressed similar beliefs as she emphasized the need for “everyone to step up this year and contribute offensively, so as a team we can fill those roles.”

The Red is hoping to see similar offensive production from sophomore Catherine White, who led the team in assists and was second in goals last season. She’s showing no signs of slowing down, as she picked up right where she left off in the team’s exhibition game against Toronto, scoring two goals and racking up an assist.

Expect this year’s freshman duo of Lauriane Rougeau and Laura Fortino to make some noise as well.

“The freshman are exceptionally talented players and

wonderful teammates,” said captain Kelly McGinty, a senior. “They bring offense and poise to our defensive core and I am know they will perform exceptionally well this year.”

Derraugh commented that his freshmen are “ahead of the learning curve” being that they received tremendous international experience playing with Team Canada.

The Red is 17-18-2 all time in season openers, winning the past two. And, with the offseason now coming to an end, they’re looking to continue that trend.

“We’ve been working hard and practicing since September to make sure the team is mentally tougher and physically stronger,” Derraugh said. “The girls are excited about getting that part out of the way and getting the season started.”