This weekend's showdown between the Penn State Lady Icers and Massachusetts will showcase two of the ACHA's better teams in the East.

UMass, ranked second in the season's first ACHA regional rankings, and third-ranked Penn State are both playing their first games since before Thanksgiving break.

The Minutewomen (5-4, 3-2 ECWHL) beat Smith College 11-0 in their most recent game Nov. 22.

UMass finished last year fourth in the nation and also claimed the top spot in the final ACHA East rankings last February.

Kelly Rowe, with five points in five games played, is currently the Minutewomen's leading scorer.

The main challenge for Penn State will be coming alive offensively against Massachusetts, a team that has allowed more than three goals only once this season. The Lady Icers are averaging almost seven goals per game.

The teams face off Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 12 p.m. at UMass' Mullins Center.

-- By Sean Smyth