The Dartmouth field hockey team waited until the flurries became a snowstorm last Saturday at Chase Field.
In the midst of what seemed like a freezing snow blizzard, the field hockey team stayed hot and beat the Crimson of Harvard, 2-0. The game winds up regular season play for Dartmouth, with a record of 11-5
"Harvard is always a very dangerous team," goal-keeper Lauren Demski '96 said. "They have a couple keys players we needed to focus on, and we knew that one of them could explode at any time. We had to stay on our toes."
Dartmouth controlled the game from the start, playing tough defense and keeping the ball past the midfield. As the snow began to fall harder, senior Allison Pell decided to take action.
With 11 minutes left in the first half, Pell drove in towards goal and struck the ball so it traveled over Harvard goalie Jessica Milhollin's shoulder, hitting the inside top of the goal cage and falling into the goal.
The second goal of the game came four minutes later, when Amy Coughlin '96 tipped in a goal, assisted by Pell. Dartmouth then led by two, and the game was as good as over in the first half.
Harvard struggled to come back in the second half but to no avail. The Crimson took 10 shots on goal, but dependable Demski made seven saves.
"We had opportunities to score in the second half but it just didn't happen," Demski said. "Our goals in first half were amazing. There was a lot of team work and individual effort, and Amy and Allison had great goals. Harvard's defense played well though. They are a solid team."
Dartmouth also took 10 shots on goal, and Harvard's Milhollin made nine saves.
Dartmouth's 11-5 record is the best one since 1988. With five consecutive wins, The Big Green's winning streak is the longest since 1988.
"A lot of seniors would really love to make ECAC's because it would give us an opportunity to play more field hockey," Demski said. "The ECAC committees are still deciding though, and hopefully we'll get some plugs from the coaches. We want to keep on playing, and go out with a big bang. We're greedy, and of course we want more."
Whether they get "more" or not, the Dartmouth field hockey team always appreciates what they have.
