Competing in tournaments from coast to coast, the Big Green (4-8, 0-0 Ivy) tested its new-look roster against old rivals and nationally ranked programs.
Though starting its season campaign with lopsided losses to the University of Hartford and Temple University, Dartmouth opened play in December with an impressive offensive effort against Stony Brook University (2-11, 0-0 America East), shooting 57.6 percent from the floor in a 77-72 victory.
The early holiday cheer, however, was abruptly ended by nationally ranked Syracuse University (12-1, 0-1 Big East), as the Orange outmatched the Big Green in the backcourt despite Dartmouth's high-pressure defense.
The 56-42 loss to Syracuse highlighted the Big Green's early offensive struggles, as the women's squad shot a subpar 28.3 percent from the field.
With the departure of veterans Darcy Rose '09 and Koren Schram '09 a tandem that averaged 21 points per game last season Dartmouth will face the challenge of establishing a solid motion offense that requires consistency beyond the arc and smooth transition into the post.
Squaring off against the University of Southern California (7-5, 1-0 Pac-10) for the Women of Troy tournament in Pasadena, Calif., the Big Green shot a low 22.2 percent from the field, while allowing the Trojans to hit 45.2 percent of their shots in the first half.
"Starting off the game well in the first half sets a tone for the rest of the game because we play with more confidence throughout the game," Brittney Smith '11 said. "We need to work on having a sustained amount of effort and keeping the intensity up throughout the full 40 minutes to keep teams from coming back."
Despite forcing eight turnovers and outrebounding Southern California, 40-37, Dartmouth could not keep up with multiple Trojan scoring runs that discouraged any comeback opportunities, as the host team easily secured a 78-46 victory.
"The lowest point of the month was the USC game," Smith said. "We missed a lot of shots and didn't play good defense."
In the second game of the tournament, the Big Green bounced back with a collective effort against Delaware State University (1-12, 0-1 MEAC), with strong defense forcing 14 total turnovers.
Dartmouth steadily posted points in the paint, while capitalizing on its opponent's sloppy offense.
Smith, who was named to the all-tournament team, recorded a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds in the Big Green's 49-38 win.
Upon returning to the East Coast, the Big Green capped off the year by playing host to its own tournament, the Blue Sky Classic.
The women's squad did not disappoint, as the dramatic opening game against the University of Rhode Island (7-7, 0-0 Atlantic-10) came down to the final seconds, with the Rams ultimately prevailing by one point, 58-57.
Dartmouth was unimpressive in the first half, allowing Rhode Island to run up the score to 35-23 at halftime.
The Big Green made a charge at the Rams in the second half, however, as Smith led a 12-2 scoring surge with less than six minutes remaining.
A late 5-0 run by the visitors almost sealed the Rhode Island's victory, but the Rams missed crucial last-minute free throws. Dartmouth could not capitalize, however, and missed a potential game-winning shot that bounced off the front iron in the final seconds.
Nationally ranked University of Dayton (11-3, 0-0 Atlantic-10) proved to be harder competition, limiting the Big Green to 17 points in the first half and dominating Dartmouth in the paint.
Unable to narrow the Dayton lead to single digits in the final twenty minutes, Dartmouth concluded the last game of the year with a 57-36 loss.
Despite early season struggles, the games against Rhode Island and Dayton showcased the talent of veterans and rookies alike.
"The younger players have gained valuable experience during the first half of our season," tri-captain Betsy Williams '10 said. "Every player on the team has an important role and will be expected to step up as we move into Ivy League play."
During the tournament, rookie starter Faziah Steen-Ngalamulume '13 recorded 16 points and five steals, while Williams posted 12 points and seven rebounds off the bench.
Smith said that although Dartmouth lost both games in the Classic, the team has yet to reach its full potential.
"The team was most effective probably in the past couple of games," she said. "We came back from a 14-point deficit to Rhode Island and lost by one, and we carried that momentum through the Dayton game. Dayton is a great team and we played hard and showed poise."
The Big Green demonstrated signs of resurgence with a hard-fought 67-62 win over the College of Holy Cross (3-11, 0-0 Patriot) on Saturday in Worcester, Mass., in the team's first game of 2010.
Dartmouth is no stranger to such turnarounds. Last season, despite a 3-9 start, the Big Green went on to win 16 of its last 18 regular-season games and captured the Ivy League title.
Smith said that she hopes for a repeat.
"Last year we went into the regular season with a losing record and won the championship," she said. "It's hard to gauge how we'll do in the Ivy League based on [non-conference games]."
The women's squad will be back in action on the road against Boston College on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
