The Dartmouth field hockey team had a tough time at the 2012 Terrapin Invitational over the weekend, taking scoreless losses against both American University and No. 3 University of Maryland by scores of 3-0 and 6-0, respectively. The Big Green dropped to 1-3 on the season and has been outscored 14-4 in its four games.
American's Alex McMackin started Dartmouth's weekend struggles with a goal just a minute into the teams' matchup. McMackin added her second tally of the game in the 57th minute, following teammate Carly Atchinson's goal with five minutes remaining in the first half to give the Eagles an insurmountable three-goal lead.
The Eagles held advantages over the Big Green in both shots (15-10) and corners (8-5). Maggie Scanlon '14 led the Big Green with two shots on the day. Both Dartmouth goalkeepers saw playing time in the game, with Jenna Stearns '13 starting and Ellen Meyer '15 coming in for the second half. Both goalies tallied two saves.
The game against American marked the first time the two programs have played against each other and the Eagles' first win of the season.
Following the loss, the Big Green continued the weekend with a game against tournament host Maryland on Sunday. The Dartmouth offense could not muster anything in its second consecutive game as the Terrapins jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first half and finished the game with 34 shots.
Dartmouth coach Amy Fowler switched strategies prior to the second game, opting for a more defensive approach.
"We changed the way we were pressuring the ball," forward Sam Anderson '14 said. "We stepped off and played with two forwards and four defenders instead of three. We're usually a pretty attacking team, but I think we did a good job holding them off in that formation."
Despite the switch, it did not take long for Maryland's powerhouse offensive line to secure the lead. Just over one minute in, Ali McEvoy tallied the first goal of the game. Four of the Terrapins' five goals in the first half, including McEvoy's, were shot off of penalty corners.
"They got four of their goals off corners, which is a huge number," Anderson said. "But I think that shows that we did hold them off in open play."
Meyer started in goal for the first time in her collegiate career against Maryland, allowing five goals but also making a career-high nine saves during her time in the game. Sterns took over in goal during the second half, making a total of eight saves.
Maryland's defensive line gave the Big Green a tough time as only one shot off the stick of Ali Savage '15 posed a threat to Terrapin goalkeepers Natalie Hunter and Brooke Cabrera during the first half.
"As a whole, we really progressed throughout the weekend," captain Maya Herm '13 said. "The outcome [against American] didn't go our way, but we didn't let it faze us when we played Maryland. They're a really talented team, but we played well against them."
Herm also added that the team was excited to travel for the tournament, as it was the first time in her career that Dartmouth had flown anywhere for a game.
"Our season just started, and I think it was a great way to bond," Anderson said. "It was a totally different experience."
The Big Green will travel to Princeton, N.J., next Saturday to face Princeton University at 12 p.m. in the team's first Ivy League matchup of the season.
