The women's field hockey team once again squeaked by yesterday afternoon with a 3-2 victory over in-state rival University of New Hampshire.
"We are pretty excited about it," Coach Julie Dayton said. "We did what we had to do, but I wouldn't say it was exactly pretty."
The Big Green struck first in the game when Kelly Hannigan '97 took a pass from Cynthia Roberts '96 and drilled in a goal with 16:49 remaining in the first half.
Hannigan leads the Big Green with four goals and three assists on the season.
Even though Dartmouth scored first, play during the beginning of the game was somewhat disappointing for the Big Green.
"The first half we just didn't put things together," Captain Laura Demski said. "We were a little hesitant."
UNH quickly responded to the Big Green's score and capitalized on the slightly sluggish Dartmouth play by scoring two quick goals within two minutes.
Becky Craigue scored off a loose ball inside the circle with 12:44 remaining in the first half, while JoAnne Fortin would quickly follow up her teammate with a goal of her own giving UNH a 2-1 lead at halftime.
"I think we played into their hands at different times of the game," Dayton said. "We put the ball in the case well though."
The second half would prove to be much more successful for the Big Green.
"After they scored those two quick goal, I think we were a little shocked," Demski said. "But in the second half something clicked and we took it to them."
Sarah Sedgwick '98 would first strike in the second half tying the game for the Big Green with 29:44 remaining.
"We played incredibly scrappy," Demski said. "We had some great plays and showed a lot of determination."
Although Dayton cited that keeping possession of the ball was somewhat of a problem for the Big Green, Dartmouth managed to pull ahead.
Freshman Weze Shorts came off the bench to put in a good game for the Big Green and ended up scoring the game-winning goal with 21:25 remaining in the game.
The Big Green will have a tough weekend ahead of them as they battle Ivy rival Brown on Saturday and then nationally ranked Rhode Island on Sunday.
"We are going to first focus on Brown," Demski said. "I think the Ivy is extremely competitive this year. We just have to play like we did in the second half today, and I have no doubts."
