Upcoming Match: against #11 St. Lawrence 12/7/2024 | 3:00 PM at #11 St. Lawrence History CANTON, N.Y. – After falling behind 3-1 in the second period, the Big Green found the net once in both the second and third periods to equalize, but a goal during a Clarkson power play’s final moments followed by an empty […]
Upcoming Match:
against #11 St. Lawrence
12/7/2024 | 3:00 PM
CANTON, N.Y. – After falling behind 3-1 in the second period, the Big Green found the net once in both the second and third periods to equalize, but a goal during a Clarkson power play’s final moments followed by an empty netter clinched a 5-3 win for the Golden Knights.
Dartmouth initially took the lead with a goal just past the four-minute mark of the first period. Laura Fuoco, in her 100th game with the Big Green, knocked the puck into the offensive zone off a Clarkson defender. The puck landed at the feet of Lauren Messier, who quickly fired it past the Golden Knights goaltender for a 1-0 advantage.
Check out our lone goal of the period, courtesy of Lauren Messier!#GoBigGreen | #TheWoods🌲 pic.twitter.com/Wz4y5np5uN
— Dartmouth Women’s Hockey (@Dartmouth_WIH) December 6, 2024
In the following two and a half minutes, Clarkson netted two goals, seizing a 2-1 lead. Despite a thrilling opening seven minutes, neither side could find the back of the net again in the first period.
As the second period began, Clarkson struck with a power play goal, doubling their margin. Near the end of the period, Fuoco brought the puck into the offensive zone and, while being closely guarded, passed it to Meredith Jensen at the blue line. Jensen fired a shot through a crowd, successfully finding the net, pulling the Big Green within one as they headed into the final period.
Meredith Jensen’s first of the season was a thing of beauty 👀
🔗: https://t.co/4QcXvRUZ9d#GoBigGreen | #TheWoods🌲 pic.twitter.com/TmRatke4Tl
— Dartmouth Women’s Hockey (@Dartmouth_WIH) December 7, 2024
Just four minutes and nine seconds into the third period, Dartmouth equalized. Fuoco was in the perfect spot to jab a loose puck in the crease during a power play, leveling the score.
Shortly afterward, the Big Green found themselves on a penalty kill and, even though they managed to kill it effectively, allowed a goal only moments later, enabling Clarkson to regain the lead.
With just under two minutes left, the Big Green went on the power play. They created several opportunities with two players up and an empty net, but the Golden Knights managed to hit the empty net, sealing a 5-3 win over Dartmouth.
Even though the Big Green walked away without a victory, they displayed resilience and kept fighting.
“I was proud of our tenacity, especially our comeback. We’ve been doing that a few times lately, scoring late in games, which is truly inspiring,” Crowell stated. “I believe our team is ready to compete. Very involved, very energized when we scored. The belief was definitely high. Now that we have that determination and competitiveness, we can contend with the top teams in the nation. It’s about closing out games when given the chance.”
Hear from Head Coach Maura Crowell following today’s loss to No. 6 Clarkson.
— Dartmouth Women’s Hockey (@Dartmouth_WIH) December 7, 2024
Crowell emphasized that finishing games and avoiding penalties were critical lessons from the matchup with Clarkson, while Fuoco pointed out that their week of preparation proved beneficial on the ice Friday.
“As a unit, we implemented our strategies from practice, and I believe we maintained our confidence and stayed true to our identity,” Fuoco shared after the game regarding their effective play.
Hear from Laura Fuoco after today’s game against Clarkson. pic.twitter.com/HDSbzmXs23
— Dartmouth Women’s Hockey (@Dartmouth_WIH) December 7, 2024
“She looked like a player with 100 games under her belt,” Crowell praised her assistant captain. “She brings a unique dynamic to the game. She controls the pace, has a great understanding of play, and positions herself excellently to finish or assist others.”
Dartmouth is set to return to the rink for one final contest before the holiday break. The Big Green will clash with the No. 11 St. Lawrence Saints at Appleton Arena.
With one more game left before the hiatus, Fuoco noted that adherence to their game plan is vital for success.
“If we keep pushing and stick to our principles and skills, we’re bound to win,” Fuoco affirmed.
Her head coach concurred; “With our positive momentum and everyone pulling in the same direction, we grasp our tactical requirements. It’s about navigating those tense moments with poise, leveraging teamwork, and wrapping things up,” Crowell explained.
The Big Green and Saints will square off at 3 p.m. Saturday. Catch the game live on ESPN+ or track the live stats on DartmouthSports.com.
