After a troubled start to their women’s Leinster Division One title defence, UCD can swing the pendulum further their way tomorrow against league leaders Loreto at the national hockey stadium.

Shorn of six internationals for their first three games, Jonathan Harte’s side laboured to draws against unfancied Pembroke and Corinthian before a galling 3-0 loss to rivals Railway Union.

But with Irish stars – fresh from bronze at the Champions Challenge – Anna O’Flanagan, Katie Mullan, Chloe Watkins, Niamh Atcheler, Nicola Gray and Brenda Flannery back in the mix, they have laid waste to the intervarsity competition.

Three quick-fire league wins, netting 15 goals with none conceded leaves them as a shark in the water for the leading trio, with the return of goalkeeper Stella Davis to live in Dublin another boon.

Loreto will expect a big challenge, with co-coach Gareth Evans admitting his side will need to significantly improve on their Irish Senior Cup performance against Queen’s University last time out.

Their penalty corner routine got them out of a hole there and a lot will depend on Sarah Clarke’s set-piece for the Beaufort side, and the form of tricky midfielder Ali Meeke.

Railway Union, playing their third game in six hectic days, meet Pembroke in the Sandymount derby. They will hope Jean McDonnell has rediscovered her sharpness on her return from honeymoon, something which her side lacked on Monday evening in a 1-1 draw with Old Alex.

Alex continue to confound expectations after the summer saw nine of last year’s first team panel depart.

In their stead, Sofie McLeod has proven an inspired addition, netting six times in five outings since arriving from Tasmania while Jess Tremayne has bossed the midfield exchanges.

WEEKEND FIXTURES:Saturday – Women's Leinster Division One: UCD v Loreto, Belfield, 1pm; Trinity v Glenanne, Wesley College, 1.30; Railway Union v Pembroke, Park Avenue, 2pm; Hermes v Corinthian, St Andrew's, 3pm; Old Alexandra v North Kildare, Alexandra College, 3pm