Victories have been difficult to come by for the women's hockey team so far this season.

However, watching them play this past weekend, you would not have guessed it for the world.

In a busy yet successful weekend of play, the Crimson won two important games. The team rallied against Dartmouth 5-2 on Saturday, and then came out the next day to defeat Boston College 6-4. These two victories almost doubled their season total, improving their record to 5-15-0 overall.

Senior defender, Christa Calagione had only praise for her teammates.

"Everyone played extremely well. We really came together this weekend," Calagione said.

On Saturday, the team found itself down early. The Big Green stormed out to a quick one goal lead, scoring in the opening minutes of the game.

Remaining unflustered and together, the players fought back, scratching and clawing their way to a 3-1 lead.

Sophomore Melissa Milbert sent a slap-shot from the point past Dartmouth goalie Noralee Raymond minutes later to knot the score at 1-1.

About halfway through the first period, Tammy Shewchuk '00 led a rush up the ice. From the corner she passed to a wide open Claudia Asano '99 in front of the net for an easy deflection to knot the score 2-1.

Minutes later, Shewchuk again raced up the ice. After a couple of nifty moves to free herself from defenders, she blasted a shot that would be the game winner.

Jen Gerometta '99 gave Harvard a 4-2 advantage in the second after a Dartmouth tally. Faking a pass on a two-on-one rush, Gerometta slipped a backhand just past the outreached Raymond.

The Crimson then left the game in the capable hands of junior goaltender Jen Bowdoin. Dartmouth continually kept pressure on Bowdoin, controlling the puck in Harvard's zone and peppering her with shots from all angles. Harvard eventually ended the game outshot 47 to 33, with Bowdoin making 45 saves.

"Jen played great," Calagione extolled. "She had incredible focus and a lot of confidence. She really came through for us."

Her confidence showed no brighter than it did in the third period, when Harvard was twice forced to kill five on three penalties. Even with two extra players, the Big Green could not muster a rally. Harvard's defense was simply too stifling.

"That was where we really upset Dartmouth," said Calagione. "They just couldn't score. It was great to get back at a big rival like Dartmouth."