Dartmouth used the midweek contests to prepare for the team's games against Harvard University over the weekend, according to pitcher Hillary Barker '12.
"Going into the games this weekend, I really just want to see our team play loose and confident," Rachel Hein '15 said. "When we enjoy the game and each other, we play our best softball. We have a new field, and I think we need to show Harvard [that] this is our home and they won't take anything from us."
When the teams first met on March 24 in Chestnut Hill, Mass., the Eagles won both games, including an 11-0, five-inning game that was ended early by the mercy rule.
"Since we've played Boston College already this year, we knew what to expect," Barker said. "They're a good ball club we've never beat them in my four years but we've come close twice. I think, more than anything, it was great to see the improvement from the last time we played them to this time."
The day began in the worst possible fashion for Dartmouth, as Boston College leadoff hitter Nicole D'Argento hit a home run to begin game one, giving the Eagles an early 1-0 lead. An infield single later in the inning pushed the Boston College lead to 2-0 before Dartmouth starter Kristen Rumley '15 forced a pop-up to end the inning.
The Eagles added another run in the third before Dartmouth rallied back for a run in the bottom of the inning. Alex St. Romain '14 was hit by a pitch to begin the inning, and Rumley advanced St. Romain to third on a double to left field. Morgan Wharton '13 drove St. Romain home with a single before pitcher D'Argento retired the next three batters to end the threat.
The Big Green threatened in the sixth, but Meghan Everett '12 grounded out with runners on second and third, ending the inning.
Dartmouth scored again in the seventh when Kara Curosh '14 smashed an RBI double to left field, but the Big Green rally fell short, as the Eagles held on to win 3-2.
In the second game, Boston College again started strong, jumping out to a 4-0 lead after three innings. Dartmouth managed a couple of base runners in the third, but a pair of strikeouts ensured that nothing came of it. The Eagles added three more runs in the fifth and shut the door the rest of the way, winning 7-0.
The Dartmouth players did not allow the pair of losses to put them in poor spirits.
"We had fun even though we lost," Jonele Conceicao '14 said. "The atmosphere was positive because of the occasion, and everyone was just looking to have a good time playing."
The Big Green will take on Harvard this weekend in two doubleheaders to finish out its season.
"The quality of pitching at [Boston College] is comparable to what we'll see this weekend, so it was good to get some swings in," Barker said.
Dartmouth will play two games in Cambridge, Mass., on Saturday before finishing with two games at Dartmouth Softball Park on Sunday.
"We want to take it to Harvard and finish strong for our seniors," Conceicao said. "I already know there will be tears after that last out."
