Continuing their dominance of the Ivy League, the women's lacrosse team racked up two more wins this past week, defeating Boston College and Brown University.
In an easy 13-3 drubbing of BC, Dartmouth's defense played strongly, allowing only four shots on goal in the first 30 minutes of the game to help conclude the first half with a lopsided 9-0 lead.
The Big Green had a slow start scoring due to a patient attack. "We moved the ball well but just needed to challenge [the goal]." Coach Amy Patton said.
At the 11 minute mark, Dartmouth scored its first goal of the game. In the remaining 19 minutes of the first half, the Big Green assaulted the BC net, scoring eight more before the break.
Offensively the scoring was a well balanced team effort. Juniors Lauren Holleran and Wallis Cook lead the attack with three goals and an assist each. Sarah Devens '96 added an assist to her two goals and Carolyn Keber '95 also scored twice. Senior Jana Friedman, Jen Edwards '95, Kim Mendelson '97 each scored a goal. Carrie Freeman '96 tallied three assists.
"The offense moved the ball well both in set up attack and in transition, they got the fast break going and were passing the ball well," Patton said.
Big Green demolish Brown 13-4
Despite playing their fourth game in six days, the Big Green came out strong against a young Brown squad, easily winning 13-4.
Coach Amy Patton expressed some concern about a lack of precise execution of fundamental skills and careless mistakes. "It was a sloppy first half and the turnovers were killing us," Patton said.
"The intensity increased in the second half, we were not nearly as lackadaisical. We ended strong and sharp which is a good boost heading into our upcoming week."
Margaret Field '93 lead the Big Green's offensive effort with five goals and Cook recorded three goals and an assist. Devens tallied a goal and four assists and Bruce had two goals and an assist. Holleran added a goal and an assist and Betsy Bennet '94 scored once.
The Big Green outshot Brown 24-16. Goalie Kim Cohen '94 helped the team's cause, recording nine saves.
Dartmouth heads into possibly its biggest week of competition this year as they face Ivy League rival and fifth ranked Harvard University on Chase Field Tuesday at 3 p.m. The team battles fourth ranked University of Virginia on Chase Field Saturday at noon.
"With four games in six days the week before Harvard and Virginia, I was worried the team would let down for the interim games," Patton said. "I know they will be up for the games this week."
The team is full of confidence heading into this week's challenges. Harvard's strengths are their speed and solid defense. They pull their entire team into the defensive zone at times causing an opponent's attackers to be out numbered.
Dartmouth's defense has been consistently strong all season and hopes to aid the attack in opening up some fast break opportunities to beat Harvard's overloading defensive tactic.
Dartmouth's chances to end the season as one of the top six teams in the national poll and earn an NCAA bid will be determined this week.
"I am not nervous, just really excited with the opportunities this week presents [to] us," Patton said. "In the past we have been as good as Harvard but beaten ourselves mentally because of the aura of Harvard lacrosse. This year we have the confidence we need to beat them."