Ivy Play is Finally Here!!

Hi All,

Well our Ivy League season didn't get off to the start we wanted, taking a lopsided loss at Harvard. We'd won the first meeting in each of the last three seasons and the Crimson definitely remembered that and took it to us. The first 15 minutes of the game were a classic Ivy battle, but we got into running and gunning at Harvard's pace and could not sustain that when they went to their deep bench. To contrast, they had 15 players dressed and we had 10.

So following the Harvard game we've had a long 13-day break to regroup and work on Dartmouth basketball. While we never like to go that long without playing — something we can't help bc Ivy play can't start in earnest until Princeton finishes exams — I think this stretch has still been good for our team. Perhaps the biggest change has been the arrival of an awesome and complete new scrimmage squad! We were struggling without the guys during break and now we have one of the best groups ever. Since we have been depleted by injury, it is imperative that we have these extra numbers to go against in practice. There are actually seven men on the squad which is the most we've had and they do a great job. They are selfless, take the job seriously, and I think enjoy helping us get better. It's a great thing.

Anyhow, this week it's finally down to the true business and pace of an Ivy League week. We get the worst, longest road trip over first when we head to Cornell and Columbia this weekend. Since we have back-to-back games, we'll settle into the rhythm of the Ivy season, planning for each opponent throughout the week and then hitting the road for a Friday-Saturday marathon.

I'll link to an official preview when it's up.

Go Big Green!!

- Dara