I'm not sure this time a year ago, there was this atmosphere. Both teams are in the race to make the MAC tournament, which takes the top eight teams in the conference. Miami coach Maria Fantanarosa, whose RedHawks have played both teams this season, said Western is more athletic. The fact that Eastern is on the road is not going to help either, Fantanarosa said. But athleticism was not the only reason Western has improved.
Merchant is concerned with their style of play.
We have to get back on defense. Merchant said the Eagles hope to control the tempo with their 2-3 zone. Defensive rebounding is another factor, as 6-1 senior forward Star Harris leads the team with 9.9 per game. Both teams play only six players exclusively, with sophomore guard Kristy Maska leading the Eagles with 18 points per game. Erving leads the Broncos averaging 19.3.