With two last-minute wins last week, the women's soccer team became accustomed to pulling through in tense situations. However, the tables turned on the Big Green Saturday as the Harvard Crimson overtook them with a last minute shot to capture the victory 2-1.
"I thought we played really well," Jenna Kurowski '97 said. "We totally dominated the game. We outplayed them and deserved to win, but we just had bad luck."
After Harvard opened the first half with a corner kick goal to take an early 1-0 lead, the Big Green regained their composure and used their poise and quickness to dominate the field from then on.
"I think we all responded really well to it," Holly Thomas '97 said. "We knew the game wasn't over because we knew we could play with anyone. It wasn't a goal where they had dominated us and then worked it in."
The Big Green did respond towards the end of the first half when Mya Mangawang '95 followed up a missed shot by Betsy Dobbin '98 to give the Big Green its first and only goal.
"After we scored I remember thinking 'now the game can start,'" Megan Owens '96 said. "We tied the game up and then it was time for us to put in the winner, but unfortunately it didn't happen that way."
After the first half, the score was tied at one, causing Dartmouth to come out strong in the second. However, luck hadn't changed for the Big Green as they scraped the goal post on several instances.
"We had great shots," Kurowski said. "They just weren't bouncing our way though, and they just wouldn't go in."
With less than five minutes remaining in the game, overtime looked probable, but unfortunately for the Big Green, Harvard pounded a short shot in after an inside cross from outside.
"We had the worst luck in the world," Owens said. "The post definitely wasn't our friend. It makes the loss so much harder because we played so well, but I guess we have to suck it up and move on."
With only two games remaining in the season, Dartmouth, now out of Ivy contention, must bounce back from Saturday's loss if they hope to earn an NCAA tournament bid.
"We just have to stay focused and not let this get us down," Kurowski said. "We need to take one game at a time and we can't look too far ahead. We need to think first to Providence and then to Columbia."
However, team members recognize the significance of these two games since both are must wins if they hope to avenge their losses and prove themselves at the NCAA tournament.
"I think if we can get into the tournament we can get some wins," Kurowski said. "I know we can play with anyone. We just have to get there to prove it."
Dartmouth travels to Deerfield, Mass. tomorrow to take on Northeast rival Providence. Despite a weak record, Providence has shown glimpses of potential this season by beating Harvard.
"I think we have to play well," Thomas said. "We need to move the ball and work well together as a team."
One major loss the Big Green will have to adjust to is the injury of starting stopper Owens, who played throughout Saturday's game with a previous leg injury and developed a swollen knee Saturday evening. She will be out for the Providence match.
"We're not quite sure what is exactly wrong," Owens said. "All the ligaments are in place so that's good. I'll just have to take it one day at a time."
Owens may be back Saturday when the Big Green close the season at home against Columbia at 12 p.m. Dartmouth will then eagerly await an invitation to the NCAA tournament, which begins next week.
