Dartmouth set the tempo of the game early with a goal only two minutes into the game. Taking advantage of a Colgate hooking penalty, Cherie Piper '06 ripped a shot on net. Katie Weatherston '06 got her stick on the puck to redirect the shot past the Colgate keeper for the 1-0. Shannon Bowman '09 was credited with the second assist.
After fighting off two Colgate power plays, the Big Green found themselves on the power play again when a Colgate player jumped onto the ice too early, and the too-many-players penalty was assessed.
Once again, the Big Green's special teams prevailed with its coordinated and methodical offensive attack. After a series of passes in Colgate's zone, Gillian Apps '06 found an open Bowman at the point. Bowman aimed a slap shot on net, which bounced to the top of the crease, where Weatherston was to slam the puck home.
The second period began with Dartmouth still leading 2-0. The puck remained mostly in Colgate's zone, as the Big Green amassed some quality chances against the Raiders.
However, Colgate ultimately found success in the second when a Raider wristed a shot from the point. The puck managed to get through a crowd of players untouched and hit the right corner of the net to narrow Dartmouth's lead back to one goal.
For the remainder of the period, the offensive play opened up with many breakaway opportunities on both sides of the ice.
Sarah Parsons '10 nearly got on the board after wresting the puck from a Colgate defender and taking the goalie one-on-one, but the keeper stopped the shot. Dartmouth keeper Carli Clemis '09 made some key saves on Colgate rushes, and the defense limited second chances to prevent a sustained Colgate offensive attack.
Despite the numerous opportunities, neither team was able to score in the remainder of the period.
The third period began with the same tone that closed the second. The Colgate keeper stopped breakaway chances by both Apps and Weatherston, but the Big Green's fast-paced offense paid off in the end.
Sarah Newnam '09 sent a perfect blue-line-to-blue-line pass to Maggie Kennedy '09, who carried the puck into Colgate's zone on a two-on-one rush with Bowman. Kennedy dished the puck across the ice to Bowman, who one-timed a low-angle shot past the Colgate goalkeeper to regain a two-goal lead for Dartmouth.
Caroline Ethier '07 sealed the victory for the Big Green with a goal at 11:14. From the blue line, Julia Bronson '09 wristed a lofting puck on net. The shot deflected off the torso of the keeper, and Ethier capitalized on the rebound to put the game out of reach. Nicole Ruta '08 also assisted on the final goal of the game. For the remainder of the game, Colgate appeared sapped. Dartmouth successfully wore out the Raiders and paved the road to the finals with the win.
