Audrey Knutson '07 made the gamewinning goal with 13:35 remaining, giving the Dartmouth field hockey team (2-10, 0-3 Ivy) a 3-2 victory over the Syracuse Orangewomen on Sunday afternoon at Scully-Fahey Field.
The Big Green women came into the game riding the momentum of their first win of the season, last weekend's 5-1 victory over Vermont.
"We were all just really excited for this game," said Knutson. "We really wanted to come out intense and also relaxed so we could put Syracuse on their heels early."
Despite the Big Green's energetic level of play, Syracuse (5-9) was able to grab the first lead of the game. Michelle Sola put a loose ball into the back of the net at the 26:40 mark, giving Syracuse the 1-0 advantage.
Unlike the same Dartmouth squad that was unable to score early and began the season with ten straight defeats, it took the revitalized Big Green less than two minutes to respond. Off a penalty corner with less than 26 minutes left in the period, Rebekka Stucker '04 flicked the ball into the upper-left corner of the net to even the score at one apiece.
With 14:09 left in the first half, Dartmouth was able to convert on the exact same play as Stucker once again sent the ball through the Syracuse defense and into the corner of the net. Averill Doering '04 and Lexi Otto '05 recorded assists on both goals. It was Stucker's fifth score in the last two games, giving her six goals for the season.
"We stuck to the game plan and it paid off," said Doering. "By working the ball in the backfield and capitalizing on a weak Syracuse corner defense we were able to create a number of opportunities for ourselves."
Dartmouth outshot Syracuse three to one in the first period and went into the break with the 2-1 lead.
In the second half, Syracuse came back and tied the score with 17:08 left in the game on a goal by Meredith Gettel.
The Big Green women were not about to let Syracuse spoil their bid for a second consecutive home victory. At the 13:35 mark, Knutson shot the gamewinner past Orange goalkeeper Betsy Wagner to give Dartmouth the lead for good.
"I've never scored a goal at home and it was such a rush," said Knutson. "I was more excited to see my team happy than I was to actually have been the one who scored."
The Big Green defense stopped a late attack by Syracuse to preserve the lead and give Dartmouth the 3-2 victory. For the game, Syracuse registered seven shots to Dartmouth's five, but Big Green goalkeeper Lauren Balukjian '06 stood tall with four saves.
"It was great to get the win against Syracuse today because they beat us in a close game last year," said Stucker, "and it felt good to prove that last week's win wasn't just a lucky day for us. We've got a great team and now that we're putting the ball in the net, we're getting the wins to prove it."
Dartmouth will have an opportunity to extend its winning streak this Saturday, October 25, against Columbia (1-13, 0-4 Ivy). Columbia goalkeeper Kristina George is the League's leader in saves, but has the Ivy's highest goals against average, and Dartmouth will be looking to increase that average en route to victory.
"We're definitely happy to have a bit of a winning streak," said Doering, "but we're already looking forward to taking on Columbia next weekend. With the expected return of senior Caitlin Barrett the Big Green should be unstoppable!"
The game against the Lions will be played at noon on Saturday at Scully-Fahey Field.
