The Big Green (9-6, 6-4 ECAC) started the weekend with a lacking effort against RPI (8-7-6, 6-3-1 ECAC).
After Erica Dobos '12 scored the game's first goal just over a minute into the game, the Engineers stormed back with goals from freshman Jordan Smelker and junior Alisa Harrison to take a 2-1 lead.
Camille Dumais '13 tallied a power play goal 12 minutes into the second period, but the Engineers added three goals of their own in the frame to give itself a 5-2 lead.
Dartmouth decided to make a switch in the goalie position after the second intermission, replacing Lindsay Holdcroft '14 with sophomore Whitney Woodcox '13. The new goaltender saved all 11 shots she faced in the third period, doing her best to keep the team in the game.
"[Woodcox] was a lone bright spot in the game," head coach Mark Hudak said. "She was put into a tough situation in the third period and she did a great job."
The Big Green offense was consistently stopped by RPI's senior goalie Sonja van der Bliek in the third period, however, and the Engineers held on for the victory.
"We just did not play very well," Hudak said. "We were a little slow and played a 75-percent effort game."
The game was a physical battle, with 18 penalties. Dartmouth converted on two of their eight power play opportunities, while RPI was one-for-six. The Big Green also outshot the Engineers 32-30 in the contest but could not translate the advantage into scoring.
On Saturday, Dartmouth traveled to Schenectady, N.Y., to take on Union (1-18-3, 0-8-2 ECAC). Rallying from their RPI defeat, the Big Green put out a strong effort.
"Unlike the last game [against the Engineers], we did all the little things very well," Hudak said. "We were winning one-on-one battles and playing stronger on the puck."
The Bulldogs got on the board first when junior Kelly Alyea scored five minutes into the first period. Dartmouth dominated the second period, however, and outscored Union 3-0 in the frame.
Hobeika and Foley tallied power play goals and Sally Komarek '13 added an even-strength goal to give the Big Green a 3-1 lead.
"We had a decent first period, a great second period and a decent third period," Hudak said. "It was a team effort against Union."
Hobeika scored again in the third period and Dartmouth's defense shut down Union to hold on for the win.
"We did a better job of pushing the pace and dictating play," captain Katie Horner '11 said. "We battled hard and played a physical hockey game."
Dartmouth dominated the stat sheet and outshot Union 45-15 in the game. The Big Green took advantage of two of their six power play opportunities, while the Bulldogs were zero-for-six.
Woodcox got the start in net and registered 14 saves, working her way to a 4-2 season.
Defenseman Sasha Nanji '13 added two assists in the game, giving her eight for the season. She leads the team with ten goals and eight assists. Three Big Green players are tied for second with 15 total points Amanda Trunzo '11, Foley and Dumais.
With the win, the Big Green improved to 6-4 in the ECAC conference.
Sitting at 12 total points, Dartmouth is in fifth place in the conference standings, but still remains four points behind second-place Quinnipiac University.
After a four-game losing streak before winter break, the Big Green has bounced back nicely with a 3-1 record. Horner credits the turnaround to more competitive practices and a higher confidence level.
"Now our mindset is what we can individually do to make the team better, and not wait for the other team take over first," she said.
Next weekend, the Big Green will take on conference foe Clarkson University on Friday at 7 p.m. in Thompson Arena, before playing at home against St. Lawrence University on Saturday at 4 p.m.
