In their season opener, Dartmouth women’s basketball faced Boston University and secured a thrilling 52-50 win. With three minutes left in the second quarter, guard Alexandra Eldredge ’27 passed to Cate MacDonald ’27, who hit a crucial 3-pointer. This shot pushed Dartmouth ahead 21-14 and forced a timeout from BU’s coach.
Dartmouth’s offense shined, featuring five players contributing to the score. Eldredge led the team with 14 points, while MacDonald matched her effort in a strong all-around performance. The Big Green’s tight defense, limiting BU to a 34.5% shooting percentage, played a significant role in their victory. Coach Linda Cimino praised her team’s effort, noting how well they executed strategies and communicated on the court.
Eldredge credited the coaching staff for instilling confidence and encouragement throughout the offseason. MacDonald emphasized how her defensive mindset helped her offensively, saying, “When I’m in the game defensively, that’s when I can kind of let my offense flow.”
Entering the 2025-26 season, Dartmouth is in a rebuilding phase. They lost their leading scorer, Victoria Page ’25, which has opened up opportunities for younger players like Eldredge and Ozel. Coach Cimino has focused on the importance of teamwork and patience in developing the squad. Unlike many programs that rely heavily on recruits, Dartmouth aims to build continuity, allowing players to grow together.
This strategic approach mirrors a shift in college athletics where many teams frequently refresh rosters. Building a strong culture and effective communication seems to be paying off, as seen in their opening game. Eldredge mentioned how skills acquired during offseason activities, like rowing and equestrian sessions, have translated into better court communication.
The victory is a promising start as the Big Green aim for a spot in Ivy Madness, the Ivy League’s postseason tournament. Cimino remains optimistic about competing with the top teams, asserting that there’s no reason Dartmouth can’t stand alongside powerhouses like Princeton and Harvard.
Next, they face the University of Albany, looking to carry this momentum forward. As they build on early successes, the focus remains on hard work and teamwork, key elements in their journey ahead.
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