The Dartmouth field hockey team dropped a heartbreaker to Maine (8-2) on Wednesday afternoon, losing 2-1 in double overtime.
Looking to snap their six game losing streak, the Big Green (0-7) fell behind early at Scully-Fahey Field as Maine's Rachael Hilgar scored with less than three minutes remaining in the first half.
The Big Green offense, which struggled in the first half, came alive in the second period, playing more aggressively on the offensive end.
After a missed penalty corner in the 14th minute, Jessica Saraceno '06 grabbed the loose ball and knocked in her first career goal to even the score at one apiece.
While the defense was able to contain the Black Bears throughout the half, the offense kept up the pressure and nearly took the lead on several occasions. A shot by Carrie Mae MaGrann '07 with just over 15 minutes left in regulation was kicked away by outstretched Maine goalie Jaye Lance.
Maine had an opportunity to end the game on a penalty corner with 0:00 left on the clock, but goaltender Lauren Balukjian '06 blocked Karly Bundy's shot, sending the game into extra periods.
Dartmouth came out strong in the first overtime. Within the first minute, Rebekka Stucker '04 drew a penalty corner for the Big Green, but a shot from Nina Fulmer '06 was too strong, sailing over the post.
Maine's best opportunity to score in the period came with just over six minutes left. Leading a 2 on 1 breakaway, Hilgar passed the ball to an open Bundy, whose shot was blocked by Balukjian.
Dartmouth fired back with an offensive attack of its own, and with less than four minutes left, the Big Green was awarded a penalty stroke. Kelly Storer '05 put a good shot on goal but the ball was batted away by a diving Lance. Maine was able to hold off the Big Green for the rest of the period, sending the game into a second overtime.
In the second extra period, Hilgar was able to break past the Dartmouth defense, but after getting past Balukjian, her shot on goal bounced off the right post.
Hilgar, the America East Conference Player of the Week, got past Balukjian on another breakaway before sending the gamewinner into the open net at the 5:49 mark.
The Black Bears moved to 4-0 in overtime games. It was the fourth consecutive game that the Big Green lost by just a single goal.
"We have a strong, competent team, and to keep coming out of each loss frustrated, makes it even harder to stay positive," said Storer.
But characteristic of the resilience that they have shown season long, the Big Green are not about to give up.
"Our season is not over," continued Storer. "We are fired up and ready to win."
Dartmouth will travel to Pennsylvania's Franklin Field for an Ivy League matchup against the Quakers on Saturday at noon. The Big Green's next home game comes October 8 against the University of New Hampshire.