Following their first loss in over two months, and without freshman defenseman Ceili Stahl, the Penn State Lady Icers (15-7, 6-4 ECWHL) head to New England for a three-game weekend.

The road trip consists of games at Smith College, No. 6 University of Connecticut, and Fairfield University.

In last Saturday's 4-3 victory against North Country Community College, Stahl, Penn State's third-leading scorer this season, endured a concussion late in the second period that will sideline her for about two weeks.

On Sunday, in the second game of the doubleheader against North Country Community College, the Lady Icers suffered an uncharacteristic 9-8 loss with Stahl absent from play.

"We really missed Ceili in that game," coach Michael Brinton said.

In the midst of Sunday's loss, the Penn State defense started off strong, holding a 3-1 lead at the first intermission, seemingly unphased by the loss of Stahl. The Lady Icers suffered a mental lapse in the second period, surrendering five goals and making Stahl's absence more apparent.

"When we played in our own zone, it was pathetic," Brinton said.

Though Brinton expects his team to win without trouble against Smith and Fairfield, Stahl's injury may prove to be a tough obstacle for Penn State to overcome against a talented Connecticut team.

Brinton says that in order to beat Connecticut, the Lady Icers defense must be faster and clear the puck from their zone more effectively.

The Connecticut squad is experienced, and includes some former varsity players.

"Connecticut is going to be a really tough game," Brinton said.

Penn State did get a breath of fresh air last weekend, as junior defenseman Caitlyn Sawyer played her first game in about three months after recovering from an injury.

Though she looked rusty against North Country Community College, having Sawyer back on defense helps to fill the void that Stahl had left.

The long weekend ahead will test the resolve of a team that is looking to rebound after a loss that was inconsistent with its play all season long.