The Dartmouth women's lacrosse team soundly defeated Princeton University on Saturday afternoon, 15-10, providing an energetic performance that corresponded with the team's annual alumnae weekend. After a disappointing loss against the University of Pennsylvania last weekend, the Big Green (9-3, 5-1 Ivy) now has an opportunity to share the League title with the University of Pennsylvania if it triumphs against Harvard University on Friday.
The team took advantage of the large number of team alumnae who attended the celebratory weekend. Before the game, a group of former and current players gathered in the locker room as alumnae told stories and showed clips of games against Princeton dating back to the 1980s.
"We immersed ourselves into the pride of Dartmouth lacrosse and realized how big the Dartmouth lacrosse family actually is," Kirsten Goldberg '12 said.
Goldberg said the Big Green went to the field with energy and intensity following inspirational words from former Dartmouth players.
"[Head coach Amy Patton] told us to come at them from the first second of the game," she said. "We just took her words to heart and [Princeton] wasn't ready for it."
The Big Green surprised the Tigers (7-6, 4-2 Ivy) with fast breaks and quick shots, according to Goldberg. Dartmouth led, 4-0, just five minutes into the game.
"They expected us to take our time on offense," she said.
Courtney Bennett '13 opened the scoring off an assist from Hana Bowers '13, who also scored seconds later.
Two successful free position goals from Sarah Plumb '12 and Greta Meyer '11 preceded Princeton's first goal by senior Lizzy Drumm.
Kelsey Johnson '13 prevented Princeton from building momentum by causing a turnover to set up Goldberg for an adept unassisted score. Liz Calby '14 added another tally three minutes later.
After Dana Brisbane '12 recovered the ball from an offensive set by Princeton, the Big Green ate at the clock with a long possession.
Finding herself in front of an open goal, Plumb took what appeared to be an easy shot, but Princeton senior goalie Erin Tochihara appeared out of nowhere to make a diving save.
Meyer then converted on a free position, before Plumb found success in a second-chance on goal, making the score 8-1.
After Princeton freshman Sarah Lloyd navigated her way through the defense for a goal, Goldberg responded with two goals of her own, the second of which she scored with under a minute left in the half. Drumm then found the back of the net for Princeton one more time before the whistle blew.
Patton warned the team at halftime to be wary of a renewed Princeton effort following the break, Goldberg said. The Big Green's main objective going into the second half was to maintain composure, according to Goldberg.
Princeton came out stronger in the second half, outscoring the Big Green, 3-1, and cutting the score to 11-6. Bennett stopped the Princeton streak, however, with a goal at 22:37.
After Drumm scored on a free position, Sarah Parks '12 traded goals with sophomore Jaci Gassaway to make the score 13-8.
Bowers went on to score off of an assist from Parks, who proceeded to score herself, further bolstering the lead.
Princeton had one last burst of energy before the clock ran out, during which the Tigers scored two goals, ending the game five points behind the Big Green.
"We had 50 seconds left, and I was like, Wow, we're going to beat Princeton,'" Goldberg said. "It was one of the best feelings in the world."
Brisbane said the win was particularly memorable due to the hard-fought efforts from many Big Green players and the large margin by which Dartmouth dominated.
"Since 1993, more than half of the games [between Dartmouth and Princeton] have been determined by a two-goal margin," she said.
Dartmouth's success largely resulted from the team's decisive play according to its game plan, as the defense expertly pushed the ball out of the defensive end and the offense ran through its plays to set up good shots, according to Goldberg.
"We transitioned the ball really well and passed with poise and speed," Goldberg said.
Goldberg said the team will prepare all week for Dartmouth's game on Friday against Harvard (9-4, 5-1 Ivy), which it will play for the shared League title.
"Harvard has a pretty good attack so we'll probably prepare for those tendencies," she said. "I think it's all going to come from within it's just going to be about desire to win."
