FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Interstat) — A surging Merrimack team looks to complete a regular-season sweep when it visits Sacred Heart in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball matchup Thursday night. The Warriors (15-10, 11-5 MAAC) have won seven of their last eight games, including a dominant 79-60 victory over Siena on Saturday. Their only loss in that stretch was a 27-point road defeat to league-leading Quinnipiac. The Pioneers (12-13, 8-8), meanwhile, have split their last six contests and are coming off a narrow 63-61 win at Saint Peter’s. The game at the William Pitt Center is a quick rematch from Feb. 5, when Merrimack routed Sacred Heart 69-47 in North Andover, Massachusetts. Warriors guard Lydia Melashenko scored 22 points in that contest, part of a stellar recent run for the junior. Over her last eight games, Melashenko is averaging 18.6 points, including a 28-point performance at Saint Peter’s and a 24-point, six-rebound, five-assist effort at Mount Saint Mary’s. She logged 22 points and six rebounds in the win over Siena. Sacred Heart will counter with forward Amelia Wood, who is coming off an 18-point, seven-rebound performance in the win at Saint Peter’s. Wood has been a consistent interior force, posting a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds in a win at Niagara on Jan. 24. However, she was held to just two points in the earlier loss to Merrimack. Merrimack’s recent success has been fueled by balanced contributions. In the win over Siena, Madison Roman recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Se’Lah Reddick added 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. The Warriors’ defense has been stifling during their hot streak, holding opponents to 60 points or fewer in five of their last eight games. Sacred Heart, which also features consistent contributors Nalyce Dudley and Emma Kirby, will need a stronger offensive showing after being held to 47 points in the first meeting. The Pioneers have struggled at times to score, being held under 50 points in three of their last seven games. A win would bolster Merrimack’s position near the top of the MAAC standings as the regular season enters its final weeks. For Sacred Heart, it represents a critical opportunity to avenge an earlier loss and climb back to .500 in conference play. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.