The team was firing strong from the start, with the first goal coming in the first four minutes off a ball from Libby Hamlin '13 to co-captain Melisa Krnjaic '11. This was Krnjaic's first goal of the season.
Krnjaic followed with another score 20 minutes later, taking advantage of a mistake by Vermont's goalie off a back pass.
Krnjaic, who normally plays on the defensive line, was able to get forward on Tuesday as an outside midfielder and had several good looks at the net.
"We put high pressure on from the start, kept going at it the entire game and never stopped," Krnjaic said.
The first half came to a close with two back-to-back goals by Peyton Tata '11. Co-captain midfielder Katie Davis '11 assisted both of Tata's goals. The first goal saw a cross into the left of the net while the second was a low shot into the left corner off of a through ball.
The Big Green did not let up in the second half, scoring three more goals in the first 20 minutes following the break. Aurelia Solomon '13 saw a free kick from 30 yards out, which went into the upper left corner.
Allison Yeager '14 next capitalized on a UVM defender's mistake, shooting and scoring from 30 yards out.
The final goal of the match saw a sequence of passes between Ari Kenyon '14 and Caitlin Burke '14 that Marina Moschitto '14 one-touch volleyed in from the back post.
"I love playing with new people and seeing the sub's efforts in practice pay off," Krnjaic said. "Everyone from freshmen to seniors did so well for us today. It was a true team effort."
Dartmouth outshot Vermont 21 to four.
Colleen Hogan '12, Anna Chinco '12 and Sam Fearer '14 contributed to a combined two saves for the shutout while Vermont goalies sophomore Alyssa Kelly and freshman Sarah Leiby totaled six saves.
Head coach Angie Hind said the team did a great job being as vigorous as possible in front of the goal and embraced the mentality that they had to start doing well.
"We have been performing well this season, and it means a lot to get a win like this," Hind said. Hind said she was satisfied with the team's effort and desire to score as many goals as possible.
The team's success came from the momentum of the starters, who finished many of their chances early in the game, Hind added. With an established rhythm, the team could substitute in many girls who have been working hard in practice.
"Getting these hard workers into the game was the icing on the cake," Hind said.
The team will next travel to New York City to play Columbia University this Saturday. Columbia is currently 9-2-3 and first place in the Ivy League rankings. Last season, the Big Green defeated Columbia 2-0.
Hind said the game against Columbia will be very different because Columbia is a more aggressive opponent than Vermont.
"Columbia plays a very direct game, so we will have to be ready and battle," Hind said.
Krnjaic said Columbia is always a tough team and that having to play in New York is an extra challenge since their field is so small.
"We are going to have to change our game plan a bit to deal with Columbia's speed and direct play," she said. "We have to figure out how to break down their system."
She added that she hopes the team learned from the style of play they used in the game against Vermont.
"If they get a chance, they should take it," she said. "Hopefully, they can put a few in the back of the net again." Following the Columbia game, Dartmouth will have two more Ivy League games against Harvard University and Cornell University to finish the regular season.
