After a victory and a tie over the weekend, the Big Green women's hockey team is headed for the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association Playoffs.
Saturday's 10-1 win over Colby College clinched the playoff spot and brought the team's record to 13-9-1. On Sunday the Big Green battled rival University of New Hampshire to a 3-3 tie.
Gretchen Ulion '94 led the effort on Saturday, ringing up five goals for Dartmouth, on route to their 15th win. The Big Green dominated the game from the start, with first period goals from Ulion, Sarah Devens '96, Sarah Howald '96, and freshman Amy Coelho. Senior tri-captain Kim Reid scored her 19th goal of the season in the second period to boost the Big Green.
On the defensive end, Sarah Lenczner '97 held off 13 shots in goal against the White Mules.
Sunday's game against UNH was a major stepping stone for the Dartmouth women, who had fallen to the Wildcats earlier this season. According to Coach George Crowe, "This was probably one of the best games we've played all season. UNH is always tough, and this is really a huge acheivement."
Crowe said the game was won in the defensive end of the rink. Rachel Rochat '95 was scratched from play due to illness, leaving Coelho, Cohen, and Sarah Vogler '96 to anchor the defense. Crowe said playing an entire game with a three-woman line was difficult.
Crowe attributed the team's success to consistency and unceasing effort throughout the game.
"We were definitely not outplayed, and maybe even played better than them." Crowe said. "We got stronger as the game went on, with some good scoring opportunities even into the third period. Every line played extremely well together and fundamentally sound."
This weekend marked the last home games for Senior Tri-captains Gretchen Ulion, Kim Reid and Kim Cohen. Crowe said they will be missed next year and it will be a huge loss to the team.
The three captains have combined to be the offensive punch for the Big Green in their four seasons at the College. "Gretchen [Ulion] is probably the best player in the East right now, and Kim Reid has contributed greatly to the offense." Crowe said. "I wouldn't trade Kim Cohen for any other defender that we've faced. It will be very sad to lose all of them next year."
The squad seems to be peaking at the perfect time as they prepare for the playoffs, which start next weekend. The first round pairings have not been announced, but the seventh place Big Green will enter the first round as the underdog. But Crowe said she is sure"this could be anybody's race for the title, especially with the single elimination rule."
