Women’s Hockey Drops Season Opener at Holy Cross

Friday, October 17

Hart Center/ Worcester, Mass.

6:00 PM

Dartmouth College

0-1-0

Holy Cross

4-2-0

Dartmouth

Holy Cross

Women’s Hockey Drops Season Opener at Holy Cross

10/17/2025 9:46:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey

Box Score Maura Crowell Postgame Interview

By: Rebecca Osowski

WORCESTER, Mass. – Dartmouth women's hockey opened its season Friday, playing the first of two games against the Holy Cross Crusaders. The Big Green were in it for the duration of the game and scored a goal in the final minute, but the Crusaders held on for the 3-2 victory.

With the loss, Dartmouth falls to 0-1 early in its season.

While the Big Green were playing in their first game of the season, facing a team playing in their sixth game, Head Coach Maura Crowell says her team got the start she wanted.

"We came out with a ton of energy, and we were connected on plays, and I think had Holy Cross on their heels a little bit," Crowell said. "Then they came alive and put a ton of pressure on us, and then it was real hockey, and I think that showed for us that we hadn't played real hockey."

Hear from Head Coach Maura Crowell following today's loss at Holy Cross.#GoBigGreen | #TheWoods pic.twitter.com/Y0oW4RDw00
— Dartmouth Women's Hockey (@Dartmouth_WIH) October 18, 2025

When Holy Cross finally settled in, they capitalized on a loose puck in the crease to put it up 1-0 at the 14:37 mark.

Holy Cross took its one goal lead into the second period, quickly doubling it. 2:06 in, the Crusaders scored their second goal of the game to make it 2-0. Just over four minutes later, the Big Green responded.

Hamilton Doster found the puck in the neutral zone and sent it through to Sophia Chard. Under pressure, Chard sent it to space for Kenzington Lehman who jumped on the loose puck and was able to beat the Crusaders' goaltender for her first career goal, cutting the Crusaders lead in half.

Miss Kenzington Lehman's first career goal?

Check it out now!#GoBigGreen | #TheWoods pic.twitter.com/0ZIC2w7B2a
— Dartmouth Women's Hockey (@Dartmouth_WIH) October 18, 2025

"They're exciting players. They're dynamic. They have a ton of skill. It's fun to see where the future is going there," Crowell said about her five first-years in the lineup. "I think they're also new and the pace and the physicality, things like that can be a little bit surprising. So, I think overall, good from the group."

Special teams played an impact in Friday's game, as the Big Green took four penalties. They were nearly perfect but surrendered a Holy Cross power play goal in a 6-on-4 delayed penalty situation in the final period, allowing the Crusaders to go back up by two.

Later in the period, the Big Green were successful with their special teams opportunity. They pulled goaltender Michaela Hesová with 2:17 to play and found the back of the net exactly two minutes later.

Izee Powell corralled the puck on the wall and sent it to Miami Jones at the blue line. Her shot was deflected by senior captain Cally Dixon, making it a 3-2 game.

Despite the late goal, Holy Cross held on to defeat the Big Green, snapping a two-game losing skid.

Hesová, who was dominant in her first season with the Big Green, made 20 saves in her sophomore campaign debut, including 13 in the first period.

Dartmouth will be back in action tomorrow against the Crusaders, closing the two-game series. As the Big Green shift their focus, Crowell said getting a goal late was important to bringing momentum into Saturday.

"We really liked the way we played in that last five minutes when our backs were against the wall and things got a little desperate," Crowell said. "We made plays. We didn't overthink it, and we want more of that tomorrow."

The Big Green and Crusaders are set for a 7 p.m. puck drop on Saturday, October 18. You can watch the game on ESPN+ or follow the live stats on DartmouthSports.com.