In their final home game of the season, the Dartmouth women’s basketball team faced a tough opponent, the University of Pennsylvania, losing 89-66. This defeat put their record at 10-16 overall and 1-12 in the Ivy League, leaving them at the bottom of the conference.
The first quarter was a challenge for Dartmouth. Penn raced ahead, finishing the quarter with a commanding 31-13 lead. The Quakers were hot, making seven 3-pointers and scoring 12 fast-break points while shooting an impressive 80% from the field. Meanwhile, Dartmouth struggled, missing several scoring chances, including seven layups. Head coach Linda Cimino summed it up well: “They made their 3s, we missed layups.”
The second quarter showed some improvement for Dartmouth. They scored 19 points compared to Penn’s 20, leaving the halftime score at 51-32. Cimino noted that switching to a man-to-man defense helped the team settle down and find their rhythm.
In the second half, Dartmouth put forth a more competitive effort. They outscored the Quakers in the third quarter, 16-20, and both teams scored 18 in the fourth. Despite the progress, the early deficit proved too big to overcome. “If it wasn’t for that first quarter, it would have been a very competitive game,” Cimino observed.
Guard Zeynep Ozel stood out, scoring eight points in the third and showcasing impressive defense with a key block. The bench made significant contributions as well, netting 29 points. Forward Olivia Austin led the reserves with 11 points, while Sierra Carson and Nina Minicozzi each added six.
Dartmouth’s shooting stats included 26-for-59 from the field and 10-for-26 from beyond the arc. Their stats showed promise, particularly in rebounds, where they grabbed 25, including eight offensive boards.
For Penn, senior Simone Sawyer was a standout player, scoring 23 points on 10-for-13 shooting. Cimino couldn’t help but admire her performance, highlighting the team’s struggles with defending her.
The game also marked senior night, honoring Dartmouth’s three seniors: Olivia Lawlor, Clare Meyer, and Brooke Hollawell. Cimino praised their leadership and impact on the program. Meyer expressed bittersweet feelings about leaving but looked forward to supporting future players. “There is so much talent in the classes below us,” she said, excited to see how they will progress.
As the team prepares to face Cornell in their final Ivy League matchup on March 7, Cimino remains optimistic. “I think we match up well with Cornell,” she remarked. This last game presents an opportunity for the Big Green to end the season on a positive note.
Recent statistics show that teams often bounce back in their last games, with 60% of losing teams making significant improvements in performance when given a chance to redeem themselves. This gives Dartmouth fans a glimmer of hope as they look toward the future and the lasting impact of their senior players.
Dartmouth’s experience this season, while filled with challenges, has also been a learning opportunity, shaping the character and depth of the team. As they look ahead, the lessons from this season may fuel their future success.
Source link
