MOON TOWNSHIP– School is back in session on the campus of RMU, but the winter sports calendar continues on as usual. As the 2020 calendar year begins along with a new decade, the opportunity awaits for Robert Morris sports teams to take advantage of new opportunities and carry over past success into the new decade.

Both basketball teams welcome Merrimack

Riding a four-game winning streak to begin NEC play, the Robert Morris men’s basketball team (8-9, 4-0 NEC) hosts Merrimack (10-8, 4-1 NEC) in a critical early conference matchup between two teams at the top of the NEC standings. The Colonials host their second matchup of the year Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. after defeating the Warriors 69-58 on Jan. 4.

Senior guard Josh Williams, named last week’s NEC player of the week, will be the key to the Colonials’ continued success. He is averaging 19.5 points per game in conference play and shooting an outstanding 61% from the floor.

Also riding a four-game conference win streak, the RMU women’s basketball team (9-6, 4-0 NEC) begins the Saturday slate at 1 p.m. vs. Merrimack (10-6, 3-2 NEC). Robert Morris beat the Warriors 68-62 in the team’s first contest and will look to continue their winning ways. The team hopes to start the day off strong and finish with their perfect NEC record intact.

Senior center Nneka Ezeigbo is averaging 14.8 ppg in the NEC and will be the player to watch on Saturday.

Track and field travels to Youngstown

Following a break that has lasted well over a month, the RMU women’s track and field team will head back to Youngstown, Ohio, for their second meet of the season. This time, they will be participating in the “YSU Invitational”.

Men’s hockey battles Mercyhurst in home-and-home series

Men’s Hockey (8-9-3, 8-5-3 AHC) will face off against Mercyhurst (4-15-1, 2-11-1 AHC) for the third time in five days over the weekend. The Colonials took the first matchup 4-1 in Erie Tuesday night, and travel back up north on Friday before returning home to the Island Saturday. Both games begin at 7:05 p.m.

Senior goalie Justin Kapelmaster has allowed an average of 2.22 goals per game and has stopped a steady 94% of shots against him.

Women’s hockey has a showdown with Syracuse, hosts Mental Health Awareness night

Women’s hockey (12-8-2, 6-2-0 CHA) hosts Syracuse (6-14-1, 5-2-1 CHA) this weekend at Neville Island. This is the first meeting between the two teams on Friday starting at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3:05 p.m. Friday’s game is also Mental Health Awareness night and will be filled with multiple activities focused on improving one’s mental health and conscience.

Redshirt sophomore forward Michaela Boyle has scored 14 goals already in the 2019-20 season and should play a major factor against the Orange.

Stay tuned to the RMU Sentry Media website and social media for updates all weekend long.