The Dartmouth women's basketball team will host the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton this weekend in crucial Ivy League games. After defeating both Brown and Yale last weekend, the team is currently ranked first in the League and hopes to stay that way.
The team has prepared intensely this week for these two crucial games.
"We've been running through their offenses and understanding how to beat the their defenses," said sophomore guard Jen Pariseau, who has been sidelined this season with a broken finger, but hopes to see some action this weekend. "A lot of the concentration has been on what their strengths and tendencies are."
Dartmouth lost to Princeton on Jan. 6, 76-64, and the Big Green are anxious for another chance to defeat the Tigers, who are currently tied for third place with Penn in the Ivies.
"Princeton is a fine team, and they are well balanced inside and out," Coach Chris Wielgus said.
Princeton is led by Kim Curry and Dana Moore, who are presently second and third in the League in scoring, respectively. Princeton point guard Andrea Razi leads the League in assists per game, with 5.6.
The last meeting between Penn and Dartmouth was a victorious one for the Big Green, who won 79-55, and remember the game as a particular turning point in their season.
However Wielgus still anticipates a close match-up between Penn and Dartmouth.
"Penn is a very explosive team. They have been on a tear, winning six out of their last seven games," Wielgus said. "We beat them last time, but that was not a relevant score."
Penn is led by Natasha Rezek, who averages 12.8 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Shelly Bowers also has a high shooting percentage, with 10.3 points a game. In the last contest between Dartmouth and Penn, the Big Green's strong defense limited Rezek to only six rebounds.
"They are both going to be very difficult games because both teams are very strong and have the ability to beat us," Pariseau said. "The funny thing about the Ivy League is that any team can beat any other on a given night. It's a very tight league."
"These are pivotal games for us," Wielgus added. "The championship will now be decided in Hanover. The Upper Valley and community members have been able to see some great basketball. The title is still up for grabs, we're delighted to be 6-1, but we're only at midterms. There is no final grade yet."
The Dartmouth Athletic Department and the Class of 1951 are sponsoring the two games, and the first 200 students will be admitted free of charge. Tip-off both nights is at 6 p.m.
