Captain Caryn Curry's 25-point barrage led the Harvard women's basketball team to their finest performance of their 8-4 season, as the squad swept past Dartmouth, 80-65, last night at the IAB.

Dartmouth never led after the opening minutes. Freshman Karen Smith tied the game at 14-14 with two free throws and senior Hildy Meyers then sent the Crimson ahead as she sunk a deuce from the floor.

Dartmouth stayed within striking range throughout the first half, as the Crimson clung to a slim three-point margin, 40-37, at the midway point.

Harvard immediately took charge in the opening minutes of the second half quickly opening up a ten point lead.

But the Big Green soon jumped back into the game with 11 straight points. Freshman center Gail Koziara sparked the comeback with her ambitious play under the boards.

Captain Fantastic

Dartmouth could not stop Curry, as she continued to hit from everywhere on the court. Curry played her finest game this season, demonstrating that she has returned to her old form after a slow start.

"Curry, Meyers and Wendy Carle all played well. They stuck to the game plan and played with hustle and poise," Coach Carole Kleinfelder said after the game.

She added that she was particularly pleased with the play of freshman center-forward Karen Smith. Smith, starting in her first game with the varsity, played like a veteran. Although she doesn't have the size of freshman standout center, Elaine Holpunch, Smith is still tough under the boards.

Although Holpuch turned in another strong performance, Koziara capitalized on a slight size advantage and scored 19 points for the Big Green. Only help from Meyers and Carle prevented Koziara from snatching all the rebounds.

Double Trouble

Freshman Linda DeRenzo added another 18 points to the Dartmouth total. The combined play of Koziara and DeRenzo, an outstanding ballhandler, saved the Dartmouth team from embarassment at the hands of the Crimson.

The win over Dartmouth is the fifth straight victory for the hoopsters. They have rebounded from a 3-4 start and remain undefeated since Christmas.

"This is one of the best games we've played since I've been here. This is a preliminary for what people can expect to see from us in the Ivy League Tournament," Curry said yesterday.

The cagers will remain in the friendly confines of the IAB this weekend with contests against Bridgewater St., Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Boston College Saturday at 2 p.m. The Crimson will take its act on the road Tuesday, February 6 for a game at Connecticut College before the squad journeys to New Haven, Ct., for the Ivy League tournament February 9-11.

Harvard 80, Dartmouth 65

Harvard--Lisa Bernstein 0 3-4 3; Caryn Curry 12 1-2 25; Kim Belshe 0 1-2 1; Hildy Meyers 7 0-0 14; Wendy Carle 4 3-6 11; Doris Woolery 4 0-1 8; Elaine Holpuch 3 6-9 12; Karen Smith 1 4-6 7.

Dartmouth--Amy Nelson 5 1-3 11; Laurie Center 1 0-0 2; Gail Koziara 9 1-2 19; Kathie Delisle 2 3-4 7; Linda Duenzo 7 4-5 18; Sue Brooks 4 0-0 8.

First half score: Harvard 40, Dartmouth 37