What doesn't knock you down, only makes you stronger.
This mantra rings true for the Dartmouth field hockey Class of 2006. After enduring a difficult 2003 season, the Big Green women are anticipating a fall full of redemption and success.
After winning at least ten games in each of the last four years, the Big Green entered the 2003 season surrounded by a cloud of high expectations. However, following a string of close-called defeats -- seven losses were decided by a single goal -- along with several unfortunate injuries, the team found themselves in an 0-10 hole with seven games left in the season. Then, the Big Green experienced perhaps the most miraculous turnaround among Big Green sports teams in 2003-04, winning six out of seven games to end the season.
The turning point came after a heartbreaking loss in double overtime to fellow Ivy contender Yale. After edging Yale to leads of 1-0 and 2-1, the Bulldogs evened the score with one minute left in regulation. Dartmouth finally fell in double overtime. Fortunately, the loss gave the Big Green just the right amount of ammunition to come back the next day and demolish the University of Vermont in a decisive 5-1 victory.
The victory occurred at Dartmouth's very own Scully-Fahey Field. Dartmouth broke the game open with three goals early in the second half. The Big Green squad dominated Vermont for the rest of the game, earning its first win of the season. Dartmouth then ploughed through its next four opponents on an exciting undefeated streak. One of those wins came against nationally ranked No. 16 Harvard. Dartmouth defeated the Crimson in a 4-3 overtime victory.
Coach Amy Fowler said that she was confident the Big Green will improve on their late-season success in 2004.
"I think there's a lot of carryover into this season after winning six out of seven," Fowler said. "We have a lot of players capable of doing big things, and we've already seen that in our spring season."
Many of the players Fowler described are in the Class of 2006. In fact, Lindsay Gossage '06 is the current captain alongside Ashley Choren '05. The role is a big honor for an underclassman, and is a testament to Gossage's character on and off the field.
Fellow '06 Laura Kistler said, "We will definitely be looking up to our captains this season, they are both excellent role models and good leaders."
Gossage, who plays forward, is looking forward to the upcoming season. With her outstanding speed, and strong skills, it is no doubt that Gossage will be an offensive force to be reckoned with.
Also part of the talented Class of 2006 is Jessica Saraceno '06, a 2003 second team All-Ivy selection. As a midfielder, Saraceno has proved to be a integral to the team's success, controlling much of its playmaking since she arrived in Hanover. In the 2003 season Saraceno tallied a total of nine points.
Saraceno, in fact, said that she is excited and pumped for the upcoming season, including the arrival of four new freshmen.
"We have been working really hard since last season to turn things around this year," Saraceno said. "We have an awesome freshmen class coming in and are very excited to put everything together, for a winning season."
Nina Fulmer, the 2002 Dartmouth field hockey rookie of the year, said that she is also ready and waiting for the season to commence.
Since her arrival on the team, Fulmer has made a major impact as a defenseman. Starting every game last season, Fulmer has emerged as a consistent contributor on the backline.
Fulmer reflected on the team's morale. "Last season allowed us all to realize the importance of the little things that can make or break a season. We had a rough start but after many one goal losses and close games, we realized the changes we needed to make were small ones revolving around team chemistry and motivation. This allowed us to have a successful end of season run, and to see the positive aspects that came out of last fall. I think that all of that kind of sets us in the right direction for this year, and we all can't wait to start competing again," Fulmer said.
Kistler will join Fulmer in the defensive backfield. A strong and talented player, she will be a key component to the Big Green's success.
Last, but certainly not least, is goalkeeper Lauren Balukjian '06. Balukjian played in every single minute of every game in the 2003 season, and looks to resume her role in the fall.
Dartmouth will begin its season on Sept. 4 against Kent State in Ohio. Until then, you can catch the girls in between their rigorous conditioning and training programs and weekly lifts listening to jammin' hit country tunes, like the latest billboard country hit, "Hell Ya." How 'bout a hell ya for the Big Green's field hockey team?
