8 - Friday, March 14, 2014 The Michigan Daily -- michigandaily.com Tournament implications on Senior Day By ERIN LENNON one last series at Yost Ice Arena Daily Sports Writer is as high-stakes as ever. The Wolverines have the chance for ie No. 14 Michigan hockey redemption against Minnesota, might be finishing its the chance to reinforce their [ar season, but a series dominance at home and the ist No. 1 Minnesota is the last chance to prove a postseason run ce to getstarted. is still possible. ith a second-place finish in A month ago, the Wolverines :onference and a bye in the were given a chance to make 'en Tournament out of reach, a statement against a team that spent four months atop the standings, but they simply couldn't. When the Golden Gophers came out firing on all cylinders Feb. 14, Michigan recoiled, looking slow and timid. Despite well-matched hockey through the second period, the Wolverines fell quietly on the road. But when Michigan scored junior goaltender Luke Dwyer, which seemed like the kind of win this team needed following the loss of senior captain Mac Bennett to injury. "We're extremely hot and cold right now, so we have to find that consistency heading into the playoffs," said Bennett, who is expected return to the starting lineup Friday. Though Michigan coach Red Berenson has spoken about improving each week, peaks and valleys have proven the story of Michigan's season. Impressive home wins over then-No. 4 Boston College, Ferris State and Boston University contrast with two ugly losses to a second-year program in Penn State, whose only two conference victories came against Michigan.. The Wolverines' home success shows that home-ice advantage is a very real factor, and the Children of Yost could serve as a sixth man when goals are at a premium. Michigan is eight games over .500 because of its dominance athome. But regardless of the venue, Minnesota is Minnesota. And a post-season appearance on the line, no matter how far away, starts athome. "Senior weekend is nice and all, but I want to win a Big Ten championship," Bennett said. "I want to win a national championship." Minnesota at Michigan Matchup: Minnesota 24-4- 6; Michigan 17-11-4 When: Friday 6:30 P.M., Saturday 7 P.M. Where: Yost Ice Arena TV: ESPN News (Friday), Big Ten Network (Saturday) --___ JAMES COLLER/Daily Freshman netminder Zach Nagelvoort will be tasked with stopping the Gophers. WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Season on pause as WNIT bid beckons By MAX COHEN WNIT. Her St. John's teams Daily SportsEditor made three appearances In the tournament, most recently The games are done for now, in 2009, when the Red Storm and the schedule is blank. All the reached the third round. Michigan women's basketball At this juncture in her tenure team can do is wait. at Michigan, Barnes Arico views It isn't a guarantee that the the WNIT as a chance to continue Wolverines' season will continue, establishing the legitimacy of the but it's almost a sure thing. program. Though this season Though Michigan's hopes of an will not appear as successful on NCAA Tournament at-large bid paper as her first year in Ann were effectively dashed in its close Arbor, which featured an NCAA second-round loss to Michigan Tournament victory, playing State in the Big Ten Tournament, well in the WNIT would create the prospect of postseason play is momentum forthe program going still very much alive. forward and end the season on a The Wolverines (8-8 Big Ten, high note. 18-13 overall) are likely below the The Wolverines will return bubble for the NCAA Tournament the vast majority of their after a regular season in which minutes next season, meaning many of their defeats came in extra practices now can set the close games against quality tone and expectations for the opponents.For now, Michiganhas upcoming year. of the returning its sights seteon a probable berthin players, only junior guard the WNIT with the possibility of Nicole Elmblad played more hosting tournament games. Based than 10 minutes in last year's on projections, the Wolverines two NCAA Tournament games, will likely be one of the better Big so participating in postseason Ten teams to fall shortof securing games will give the rest of the an NCAA Tournamentbid. team needed experience before Michigan won't know its fate the addition of a heralded until the postseason selections are recruiting class. announced Monday night. But the "We go in Crisler every dayand team is practicing nonetheless, there's a lot of banners hung by choosing to view a WNIT bid our men's program,"Barnes Arico as a stepping stone instead of a said. "There's not one hung yet by second-rate option. the women's program. And that's "Anytimewegetanopportunity our goal, to win championships. to compete for a championship So let's go and try to hang that and continue to play and continue banner in the WNIT and get to practice, I think it's going to somethingstarted." help our program," said Michigan Michigan could possibly coach Kim Barnes Arico on start its journey toward its first WTKA Tuesday. "So we're banner while playing in Crisler excited about the opportunity to Center. The Wolverines have compete in the WNIT and to win made themselves available to host a championship." WNIT games, but like the next Barnes Arico has some step for this program, that will be experience coaching in the announced Monday. JACKSON GLINES IS 1-FOR-i ON THE ROAD HE KNOWS WHAT THIS MEANS I i