The Big Green's victory against UNH revolved around the team's successful defense. With many of the team's juniors abroad or off this term, younger players saw a lot of playing time. While this change in team chemistry inevitably gave way to some mistakes, players were quick to jump on the re-defend with plenty of hustle when they did make errors. Dartmouth succeeded in stealing the ball back on many occasions, which was likely a huge factor in the team's triumph, according to co-captain Shannie MacKenzie '11.
MacKenzie said she thought the team played well particularly because in the fall the team's focus is on heart and determination rather than mastering the more technical skills.
The freshmen also played with a tangible confidence, which is admirable considering how little time they have spent playing with the team, co-captain Greta Meyer '11 added.
"We played really well against UNH," she said. "We had a really great work ethic."
Co-captain Kat Collins '11, who returned after a knee injury last spring, put away six goals, while Meyer, Courtney Bennett '13 and Hana Bowers '13 each contributed goals as well.
The Big Green's determination in its second game against UVM appeared to be slightly broken by the team's fatigue and the cold, rainy weather. As a result, Hope McIntyre '11 said they did not play their best lacrosse, adding that the women allowed the match to be closer than it should have been.
"We didn't play as consistently against UVM," McIntyre said.
Nevertheless, the Big Green was stable to walk away with the victory.
"I think the best part about the game was that we fought through the lull and came out on top," Meyer said.
Despite the fact that most of the game was spent in Dartmouth's attacking half and despite significantly out-shooting UVM, the prowess of the opposition's goalie kept the game close.
In fact, at halftime, the score was tied, 4-4.
Dartmouth picked up its play in the second half, however, which MacKenzie said is an important step for the team. The women re-embraced some of the discipline that they had let go of in the first half, and they started to stay low on defense and communicate effectively. In addition, the Big Green maintained composure, despite the physical and competitive nature of the game, Mackenzie said.
The offense also had an opportunity to work on a new formation, since UVM occasionally face-guarded Collins a situation that the team had not yet practiced.
MacKenzie cited McIntyre's strong play and source of contagious motivation to the rest of the team throughout the competition.
While the team missed its juniors, Meyer said the women were pleased that they were still able to play well and win at less than full strength. "What we need to work on is taking what we've learned in practice and applying it to the game a whole game," Meyer said about the team's lack of conssitency.
McIntyre added, however, that the team's athleticism has been a strong source of strength.
"Everyone on the team is strong, fast and fit," she said.
MacKenzie said that the team possesses all the necessary skill, so it is just a matter of focusing every day and staying determined to accomplish the team's goals. She added that the team is already thinking about the Ivy League Championship, and, beyond that, even a national championship.
Staff reporter Marjorie Chelius contributed to the reporting of this article.
