Big Green Fall to Crusaders

Saturday, October 18

Hart Center / Worcester, Mass.

7:00 PM

Dartmouth College

0-2-0

Holy Cross

5-2-0

Dartmouth

Holy Cross

10/18/2025 11:00:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey

Box Score Head Coach Maura Crowell Postgame

By: Rebecca Osowski

WORCESTER, Mass. – Dartmouth women's hockey returned to action Saturday, facing the Holy Cross Crusaders for the second straight day.

The Crusaders scored a goal in both the first and the second period to defeat the Big Green, 2-0.

Holy Cross had its first opportunity to score a goal seven and a half minutes in, when it drew the first penalty of the game. The Big Green were able to successfully make the kill, but the Crusaders were able to score just four minutes after their power play concluded, taking a 1-0 lead.

Dartmouth got its first power play opportunity towards the end of the first period. The Big Green recorded two shots on the power play but were unable to convert. Holy Cross used the kill to swing momentum back in its favor, scoring its second goal of the game under two minutes later.

The Big Green had two more power play opportunities through the course of the game, but were unable to convert, ultimately falling to the Crusaders, 2-0.

In Dartmouth's 3-2 loss to the Crusaders on Friday, Head Coach Maura Crowell said her team's best play was the final five minutes, as the Big Green did not overthink their play. Similarly, Crowell thought her team's final 20 minutes was their best on Saturday.

"I thought we came out the last 20 more complete, playing together really aggressive, faster on pucks, created some good offense, less hesitant, more on our toes," Crowell said. "The first 40 minutes was hectic. Again, I think we're getting use to competing against other teams, not just ourselves, and playing at a fast pace."

Hear from Head Coach Maura Crowell after today's loss at Holy Cross.#GoBigGreen | #TheWoods pic.twitter.com/VcLHSbH8MF
— Dartmouth Women's Hockey (@Dartmouth_WIH) October 19, 2025

While Dartmouth could not find the back of the net on the advantage, its penalty kill was perfect, killing all five Holy Cross power play opportunities, including a 5-on-3 for a minute in the third period.

"There were a lot of special teams this weekend, and it's a little different than what we're used to," Crowell said. "So, I think that was a good test for everybody. Getting the right personnel out there… It's a great step in the right direction and we'll continue to work on our power play to make sure we convert on that as well."

In addition to the perfect penalty kill, Jiahui Zhan was a bright spot between the pipes for the Big Green. The sophomore goaltender made just her second start of her college career Saturday.

"I thought she was fantastic," Crowell said about Zhan. "I think 40 shots I saw on the scoreboard there, so they got after her, and she was up to the task. She gave us everything we needed. She got us a ton of whistles. Tall goalie, so that short side stuff she was ready for… She gave us a chance to win."

Zhan made 38 total saves including 14 in the final period to keep it a two-goal game.

The Big Green will return to action next weekend, opening ECAC Hockey play at Thompson Arena. Conference games will kick off with matchups against the Colgate Raiders and the Cornell Big Red.

Dartmouth will host Colgate on Friday, October 24 at 3 p.m., followed by a game with fellow Ivy League Cornell on Saturday, October 25 at 3 p.m. Both games can be streamed on ESPN+ or followed via live stats on DartmouthSports.com. You can purchase tickets to see the Big Green live here.