Maybe it was the frigid fall air or maybe it was the disappointing loss to the University of Maine last Wednesday, but whatever the reason the Dartmouth women's field hockey team kept the heat on last Friday at Chase field.
With a 2-0 victory over Yale, the team played an excellent offensive game, improving its record to 3-3-1, 1-0-1 in the Ivy League.
After losing to the Black Bears of Maine last Wednesday, the Big Green was adamant about improving their game and strengthening their offense.
"At practice yesterday, we worked on a lot of passing combinations," mid-fielder Allison Pell '96 said. "I think it definitely helped us today."
With no score at the end of the first half, Dartmouth kept its hopes up. "At half-time we talked about capitalizing on the opportunity to score," tri-captain Sarah Devens '96 said. "We knew we could do it as long as we were working as a unit."
Five minutes into the second half, opportunity knocked and Pell drove from the right side past her defender, firing a shot through Yale keeper Janelle Kellman's legs.
Yale desperately tried to come back throughout the remainder of the second half, but the Dartmouth defense and strong seven-save effort by goalie Lauren Demski '96 prevented the Elis from doing so.
"We really executed the fundamentals that our coaches taught us," Devens stated. "We moved the ball well and worked as a team."
Then, with one minute remaining in the game, Amy Yost '98 scored off of an assist from Cynthia Roberts '97.
With Dartmouth leading by two, the game ended with a formidable finish by the Big Green.
"I feel good about today's win," Dayton said. "The kids came focused and ready to play. After Wednesday's let-down against Maine, we wanted to turn things around."
Devens agreed. "We were so discouraged after the loss, and felt we came out flat. We were angry and really wanted to show that we were a good team."
With one Ivy win under their belt, the Big Green keeps their hopes for the Ivy title alive. After a double-overtime tie with Penn last weekend, the team is ready to improve its record.
Coach Dayton is optimistic. "We're taking nothing for granted. I feel we fit in well, in terms of the Ivy picture."
Allison Pell shared her coach's outlook. "We really took it to them today, and I think it shows that we can play any Ivy League team."
