This weekend the Dartmouth women's soccer team will play host to Colgate University, the University of Buffalo, and Columbia University in the 2nd annual Umbro/Lipton Classic. Last year's contest was hosted by the men's soccer team, and this year it is the women's turn.
Dartmouth is 3-0-1 in their last four games, 2-1-0 in the Ivy League and 4-2-1 overall. After their scoreless tie with Hartford, No. 8 in the nation, and their 3-0 drubbing of Cornell, the Big Green slid up to No. 8 in New England and gained some national attention.
Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill '01 has dropped her goals against averge to 0.42 and Jen Murray '01 and Melissa Roth '00 have combined for two goals and one assist last game and have been lighting up the scoreboard for the Green all season.
If they could win both games this weekend over Colgate University, who is currently No. 7 in New England, and the University of Buffalo, Dartmouth would certainly make a statement as they head into their most difficult stretch of the season. After the tournament they face regional powers Connecticut (#1) and Yale and then travel to the University of Maryland for a date with the No. 19 Terrapins.
Despite the fact that these two games are against non-Ivy foes, every game is vitally important as the Green fight for the possibility of an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament should they not claim the conference crown.
The Big Green do have enough dates with quality teams to secure an at-large bid. If they are to secure one, though, this weekend's games are virtual must-wins with many tougher opponents on the horizon.
Dartmouth will play the Red Raiders of Colgate on Saturday at 1 p.m.and then will take on the University of Buffalo on Sunday at 2 p.m.
