Dartmouth wasted no time on Friday night as it continued along its best start in program history against Clarkson.
The Big Green’s Tiffany Hagge scored just seven second into the game, and Dartmouth led 2-0 after the first period. Clarkson (6-9-5, 2-6-1 ECAC) mounted a second period comeback to tie the game, but the Big Green (16-1-0, 9-0-0) ultimately prevailed, 5-2.
The win was Dartmouth’s five straight, while Clarkson’s winless streak now stands at 0-4-1.
The five goals by Dartmouth were the most allowed by Clarkson this season. Still the Big Green wasn’t fully satisfied with the result.
“We were a little quicker. To compensate for our speed and strength they played tight defensively,” said Dartmouth coach Mark Hudak. “We played well, we just need to execute better on individual responsibilities.”
Cherie Piper provided the assist on Hagge’s quick goal to extend her streak of consecutive games with a point to 21, dating back to last season. Katie Weatherston scored at 13:26 for a 2-0 lead at the first intermission.
The Golden Knights came out strong to start the second period. Emma Madigan scored fifty-six seconds in and Brooke Beazer tied the game 2-2 with a power play goal at 7:24.
“We did a lot well, but we struggled at times,” said Dartmouth co-captain Alana BreMiller. “We need to play focused for all sixty-minutes.”
The Big Green bounced back to take a lasting lead just over a minute later on a power-play goal by Piper at 8:38, when she went from one net to the other after receiving the puck from Dartmouth goalie Christine Capuano. Clarkson pulled goalie Kira McDonald from after Piper’s goal left her stat line at three goals on 12 shots. Capuano made 25 saves for Dartmouth in addition to her assist.
Dartmouth scored twice more to give itself a cushion before the end of the second period. Katie Weatherston scored a power play goal at 13:46 by batting the puck out of midair off a rebound from Gillian Apps’ shot. Piper then added her second goal of the night with thirty-two seconds left.
The third period was scoreless, but Dartmouth dominated. Clarkson’s power plays in the third period were neutralized by Dartmouth’s ability to get to the puck first on the forecheck. The Golden Knights finished the game 1-for-6 on power plays, while Dartmouth went 2-for-5.
The Big Green faces one of its toughest tests on Saturday against No. 5 St. Lawrence, who won the four head-to-head meetings between the teams last season. Dartmouth is looking forward to its opportunity for revenge.
“Tonight wasn’t one of our best efforts,” Piper said. “We’ll definitely come out more focused tomorrow.”
