Freshman pitcher Laura Mills gave the Big Green a near-perfect performance, pitching her first career no-hitter and propelling the women's softball team to a 4-0 shutout of Central Connecticut on Saturday afternoon.
Mills walked one and struck out nine in the stellar performance, and the Big Green, in improving their record to 5-4 overall, proved that it is ready to be a contender this season.
The freshman pitcher attributed her success more to an overall stellar defensive performance by the Big Green.
"The no hitter was due to our defense coming up with consistent plays, and our aggressive base running and timely hits put us on the board offensively," Mills said. "It was an all-around great effort by the whole team."
Offensively, Dartmouth rallied in the third inning after Kate Winter '00 led off with a walk and then took second on a sacrifice by Julia Doster '97. Winter scored on an error after a single from Andrea Lucchesi '00. Lucchesi also scored on an error, leaving the Big Green with a 2-0 lead going into the fourth.
In the sixth, Dartmouth sealed the victory with a pair of runs from Lauren McQuade '97 and Ayn Huntington '00.
The second game scheduled between the Blue Devils and the Big Green was canceled due to rain.
Since the Big Green have not been able to hit the fields during practice because of a snowy Hanover, the opportunity to play at least one game outside was beneficial to the young team.
"I think anytime we get the chance to get outside and play and come away with a victory is exciting," Mills said. "Practicing in Leverone [Field House] makes games that much more exciting because we get to finally get to go outside on dirt and grass and play."
With 14 contests in April, all doubleheaders, the Big Green must look for depth and stamina if they hope to reach their season goals.
"I think our team is prepared, and we're very excited about what is ahead," Mills said. "Right now we are focusing on one game at a time so our ... double headers aren't really that intimidating. I think it will be a difficult adjustment, but having a lot of home games is going to make it a little easier."
