After last year's impressive NCAA campaign, almost anything would be a letdown for the Dartmouth women's lacrosse, who is ranked 11 in the preseason IWLCA. Despite the loss of some effective offensive firepower due to graduation, the Big Green is cautiously avoiding any such signs of weakness.
Against New Hampshire on Sunday, the Big Green proved they don't rebuild, they just reload, downing the Wildcats 13-4 in both team's season opener.
Amy Zimmer '01 and Liz Merritt '01each netted hat tricks while powering Dartmouth to victory on Sunday at Scully-Fahey Field.
UNH drew first blood with a goal by Meghan Clavin 1:01 into the game, but Merritt and Jen Newitt '02 responded in kind with goals of their own.
Dartmouth went on to net five more goals in the first half, sprinting out to a 7-3 lead at the break. Katy Cuneo '02 and Suzy Gibbons '01 both connected on free position opportunities for the Big Green.
Only 16 seconds into the second half, the Wildcats made it a three-goal game. The Big Green countered with six unanswered goals to pull away.
"I think the team looked good considering it was our first game," Zimmer said. We have a very balanced team this year and a lot of depth."
The Big Green head to the road to take on its next foe, Boston University on March 21.
