While the majority of Dartmouth students escaped yesterday's high winds and bone-chilling temperatures by fleeing to their rooms or to the library, the men's lacrosse team battled the winter-like conditions as it took on Holy Cross in the Big Green's home opener.
Even though the snow on stadium field had to be swept off so lines could be seen, the two teams braved the conditions, since rescheduling a game is always difficult.
Dartmouth, now 4-0 and ranked 19th in the country, managed to bring some type of heat to the field by routing Holy Cross 18-5. Dartmouth dominated the game, leading 9-1 at half and 16-2 once in the second half.
"The conditions were really tough out there," Jeremy Gelber '97 said. "It was so cold, and it was difficult to see the ball in the snow, but before the game we were told that we had a game to play. The conditions were equal on both sides, so we couldn't blame anything on the weather."
"The guys really toughed it out," Coach Tim Nelson said. "We told them to dress right and layer a lot. I think they played a good game given the conditions."
Players were out the night before buying special polypropylene undergarments to protect themselves from the cold. Players even wore surgical gloves in addition to regular gloves to keep their hands warm.
The conditions were too unbearable even for Big Green fans. At the game's 3:00 p.m. start less than 10 people could be found standing in the desolate stands at Alumni Memorial Field.
"It was a little disappointing," Gelber said. "Everyone would like to have tons of fans out there cheering and making a lot of noise, but we have to make the best of what the conditions give us. Last year at this time we wouldn't have even been able to play. Hopefully, we'll keep winning and get a lot of support at our next game."
Attacker Scott Hapgood '97 and midfielder Brian Merritt '97 led the Big Green in scoring, each putting in three goals before the game came to an end. Co-Captain Todd Smith '95 and John Whelen '98 also knocked in two points each.
With a commanding lead, the Big Green were able to rotate in several players for quality playing time.
Tim Cabon '96, Gelber, Alex Parez '98 and Jesse Wooten '97 all scored for the first time in their Dartmouth careers. Other Dartmouth scorers included Tom Scott '96, Scott Watts '97 and Eric Welsh '96.
"We moved the ball very well despite the cold weather," Nelson said. "It's tough to hold onto the sticks when your hands are freezing."
Not only did Dartmouth display an array of offensive ability, but defensively the Big Green were as stingy as ever, holding their opponents to a mere five points.
Starting goal keeper Ned Hazard '96 saw few shots but when pressured came up with two saves, while Dave Kosloff'97 came off the pine to block off three Holy Cross shots.
Dartmouth's first true test will comewhen it travels to Pennsylvania to battle its Ivy League rival on Sunday afternoon.
"A game in the Ivy League is always a tough one, especially when you have to go on the road," Nelson said. "We beat them last year, so I'm sure they'll be ready for us."
With two days to prepare before hitting the road, the Big Green will look to analyze the Pennsylvania scouting report and work on developing a plan of attack.
"They have a very good attacking lineup returning from last year," Nelson said. "We will have to look to shut those guys down."
With four straight wins Dartmouth looks to capitalize early on a vulnerable Pennsylvania team that has recently dropped a few close games.
"We have to get them down early because then they'll be more likely to succumb to defeat," Gelber said. "We are going to have to be fired up and take that with us on the road."
