The Big Green women's lacrosse team defeated the University of Connecticut 20-9 in a scrimmage at Scully-Fahey Field on Saturday. The scrimmage was part of a larger event honoring former Dartmouth Athletic Director Josie Harper, who retired earlier this year.
Dartmouth got off to a sizzling start, grabbing a six-goal lead by the midway point of the first half.
"From the beginning, we set the tone, especially with the draw," co-captain Julie Wadland '10 said.
Just as the Huskies appeared to have settled down, Sarah Plumb '12 and Sarah Parks '12 ignited strong offensive resurgence that put Dartmouth ahead for good. In the 19th minute, Plumb received a quick pass from Courtney Bennett '13 while running across the front of the goal and put the ball into the net, leaving the score 9-2 in favor of the Big Green.
Two minutes later, Parks maneuvered around several Husky defenders and got off a quick shot that the Husky goalkeeper was unable to stop.
"The fast break was successful and a weapon," Bennett said. "The hustle and athleticism were great. Those were the keys of the game."
In the 23rd minute, Parks found Erin Massimi '12 from behind the net. Massimi scored easily, adding to Dartmouth's 11-2 lead.
Wadland's play in net, as well as the play of defender Kirsten Goldberg '12, led the defense in what was an overall solid performance.
In the second half, the Huskies rebounded to notch several goals of their own.
"They went on a run, and we got into a lull," Wadland said. "But the big thing was we got ourselves out of it."
Several Dartmouth players recorded tallies, for a team total of 20 goals more than the team has scored in one outing in over a year.
In the win over UConn, Dartmouth showed signs of returning to its Ivy League dominance after last year, when the Big Green finished with an 8-8 record to finish third in the Ancient Eight.
Since current head coach Amy Patton took over the head coaching job in 1991, she has led Dartmouth to 10 NCAA tournament appearances and eight Ivy League championships.
"Last year, if you look at the record, it really is not what you would consider traditionally a record for Dartmouth lacrosse," Patton said. "If you get down to wins and losses, obviously it was a really tough season."
Last year's team was hindered by inexperience in key moments of several contests.
The 2008-2009 squad started eight freshmen and sophomores, and half of its losses were by three goals or fewer.
Judging from fall workouts and Saturday's early scrimmage game, however, this year's team appears to be more prepared to compete at a high level.
"The commitment they made to each other this summer to work hard was really impressive," Patton said of the team. "They came back very fit. They had all worked on their sticks. They've all worked in the weight room. I think that shows the character of the team."
Dartmouth women's lacrosse has traditionally been a national powerhouse.
Saturday's scrimmage marked part of a larger celebration of the tenure of Harper, who stepped down as athletic director in June after seven years in the positionHarper was the first female athletic director in the Ivy League.
Harper started her career at Dartmouth in 1981 leading the women's lacrosse squad, before being promoted to senior associate director of athletics and then athletic director.
In her 11 seasons as women's lacrosse head coach, Harper led her teams to an overall record of 88-69.
Harper left a lasting mark on the Dartmouth women's lacrosse program, Patton said.
"I think [Harper] really helped shape the coach that I am," she said.
The next game for the Big Green will come Oct. 25 in Hanover at the Fall Festival.The Festival includes games against local rivals University of New Hampshire and University of Vermont.
The Big Green will start its regular season at the University of New Hampshire in February.
