"We were pretty confident going into the Harvard game," Angie Soriaga '06 said. "We knew that they aren't as good this year as they have been in previous years after losing last year's Ivy MVP, Reka Cserny."
"Still, Dartmouth-Harvard is a very heated rivalry and always a tough game, so we made sure we were well prepared for them."
With the win, Dartmouth improves its record to 8-3 (1-0 Ivy). Big Green senior Jeannie Cullen '06 scored a career-high 35 points, including seven three-pointers and a perfect 12-for-12 showing from the free throw line. Prior to the Harvard game, Cullen was ranked third in the nation in three-pointers per game.
"I already think she's the best shooter in the league, but her teammates are so smart. They set great screens to get her open, and her catch-and-release is so quick," Harvard head coach Kathy Delaney-Smith said. "That said, we could not have been more stupid sometimes."
"Jeannie was amazing with a career night," Sydney Scott '08 said. "The offense also looked really good. People were setting each other up and knocking down shots. It was probably the best we all played together offensively."
Up 15 at the half, Dartmouth opened the second frame with a 22-7 run. With 12:54 left on the clock, the Big Green held a 30-point edge over the Crimson, 70-40.
"Going into the game, we expected to get a win, but I think we were a bit surprised when we got such a big lead," Cullen said. "We just want to keep getting better each game, and I think we are doing that."
Confident the victory was in hand, coach Wielgus substituted her reserve players for starters. However, no one told the Crimson that the game was over. Harvard ruthlessly attacked the Big Green's lead, embarking on a 30-8 scoring spree. With two minutes to play, Dartmouth's advantage was reduced to eight points.
"That always seems to happen down here," Cullen said. "When you're up by that much, you get a little tentative. You don't take as many threes, and you lose a little aggressiveness. We relaxed on offense, and they started making shots."
With Dartmouth's back against the wall, Cullen and Scott responded with 12 free throws down the stretch. The Big Green halted the Crimson's rally and closed the game at 91-76.
"I think it was another good team win for us. We had a lot of people contribute in the game," Cullen said. "We just need to continue to build and improve each game, and we should be alright."
Along with Cullen, Scott also had a career night, scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Soriaga added 18 points and five assists.
Dartmouth shot an even 50 percent from the field and was 26 of 33 from the charity stripe.
"Right now we are happy with the win but not satisfied," Scott said. "It was good to knock our rival off this first game out, but we realize that the Ivy League is competitive game in and game out, and it's all about who comes to play on a particular night."
Katie Rollins led the Crimson in scoring with 14 points, followed by Jessica Holsey, who added 13 more to the effort. With the loss, Harvard slips to 4-10 (0-1 Ivy).
"Every time we play Harvard, no matter the circumstances, we know that it is going to be a competitive and close game," Ashley Taylor '07 said. "Coming in, we did have the advantage, yet we knew we couldn't take that for granted."
Dartmouth looks to avenge last season's 75-73 overtime loss to the University of New Hampshire and end the Wildcats' four-game winning streak against the College when the Big Green hosts UNH in Leede Arena on Wednesday.
"We need to work on our defense and make sure we look to attack UNH starting from the tip-off," Soriaga said. "UNH is a solid team with a good record, so we are looking forward to a great game."
