Co-captain Kelly Hood '12 notched her 114th career point by scoring the game's first goal, breaking the points record previously held by Lauren Welsh '03.
Head coach Amy Fowler said the game was monumental for Dartmouth's field hockey program.
"It's beyond exciting," she said. "They've traditionally been the best team in the League. It's very special and emotional."
Co-captain Kerry Bracco '11 added that the win will be remembered by players as a triumphant moment, and won't soon be erased from the team's collective memory as the field hockey program begins its very promising season.
"In my five years here, we always have high hopes when we play them, but never come out with a win," Bracco said. "It is a terrific accomplishment."
Although the Big Green dominated possession in the first half of the game, it had a difficult time penetrating Princeton's defense and failed to score for most of the period. With just under four minutes left before halftime, however, Hood gave Dartmouth the advantage with a goal on a penalty corner assisted by Janine Leger '15.
Princeton came out of the break with an aggressive offensive attack, but Dartmouth had prepared to fend off the Tigers' pressure, Fowler said.
"In the second half, the tables were turned and we really buckled down defensively," she said. "We've worked a lot on our defensive corner structure."
The team maintained its defensive game plan throughout the match, Hood said in an email to The Dartmouth.
"It was one of our best defensive performances of the season thus far," she said.
Goalie Meagan Vakiener '12 also played a central role in defeating the Tigers, saving seven shots and allowing just one goal. Bracco called Vakiener's consistent play during the game "amazing."
"She saved our butts on several occasions," Bracco said.
Princeton freshman Sydney Kirby tied the score at one just over 15 minutes into the second half. The contest did not remain tied long, however, and Hood scored past Tiger sophomore goalie Christina Maida in the 54th minute to win the game.
Dartmouth has high expectations after the team's League opener, Bracco said.
"We have several tough Ivy League games ahead of us, but beating Princeton is definitely a confidence booster," she said.
Bracco said the team also shared in Hood's scoring accomplishment.
"Kelly is a great competitor, athlete and leader," Bracco said. "We are all so happy for her, but I think it means more to us than to her. She is such a team player to the fullest and incredibly modest. I know she would rather the team win over breaking any personal records."
After defeating the Tigers, Dartmouth continued its winning streak on Sunday by beating Bryant University, 5-2. Ali Savage '15 scored three of the team's five goals, a feat that Fowler deemed unusually impressive for a freshman player.
"I think if anyone's going to beat Hoody's scoring record, it might be Ali," she said. "It was exciting to see her score a hat trick. Ali also got Ivy Rookie of the Week, which was great."
Hood also lauded Savage's performance, and said she has "an incredible amount of skill and knowledge of the game."
Dartmouth continues its League schedule this weekend at Brown University on Saturday, followed by a home match against the College of the Holy Cross on Sunday.
After last weekend's triumph against Princeton, Bracco said she is confident that the Big Green has the potential to beat any League team.
