Another sudden death overtime, another disappointment.
Dartmouth became the latest victim of one of the hottest teams in the nation yesterday, as they suffered a shocking 2-1 overtime loss to the University of Connecticut at Chase Field.
The loss was the Big Green's fourth in the five extra-period games played this season and the Dartmouth squad dropped its season record to 5-6.
"Playing into overtime has consistently been a challenge for us this year," Abby Gillard '01 said.
On the other hand, the nation's 11th-ranked Huskies extended its winning streak to 10 games, despite losing its first four games of the season.
Connecticut also possesses a perfect 5-0 record in the Big East Conference.
After a scoreless first half, the Dartmouth women got on the board first with a penalty kick by Melissa Roth '00, earned when she was taken down inside the box.
Roth calmly netted the penalty shot into the lower left corner past full-stretched Huskies keeper Maria Yatrakis at the 55th minute.
Despite playing their "A-game" throughout, the Big Green failed to capture an extra goal and they eventually paid the price.
With just over five minutes left in regulation, Connecticut equalized the game when sophomore Lacey Toups tallied a close-range shot on a header from freshman Salla Ranta, who hails from Helsinki, Finland.
In the first sudden death overtime period, it was all Huskies and it was over literally in a minute.
Just 1:34 into overtime, Huskies' junior Lauren Molinaro made a brilliant finish as she headed in the game winner on a perfect corner kick from junior Jen Carlson.
"I think the mental aspect of things took over today and overshadowed our ability to play like we know we can," Gillard said.
The Huskies outshot Dartmouth, 14-6. Dartmouth's goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill had six saves while Huskies' Yatrakis had one block. Luckenbill was named Ivy Player of the Week for last week because of her recent impressive performance.
Connecticut had 11corner kicks while Dartmouth had three.
Dartmouth will be back in action on Saturday when they visit Ivy League rival Yale University in New Haven.
The Bulldogs have an overall record of 3-4-1 and are 1-1-1 in Ancient Eight play.
