ALBANY, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive pressure and offensive inefficiency, the Dartmouth women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 65-55 victory over Siena on Sunday at the Times Union Center.

The Big Green, now 3-1 on the young season, never trailed, building an early double-digit lead and weathering a significant third-quarter surge from the winless Saints, who fell to 0-4.

Dartmouth established control from the opening tip, starting the game on an 11-0 run. Zeynep Ozel of Istanbul, Turkey, ignited the early offense with a three-pointer just 42 seconds into the contest. The Big Green’s defense was equally impactful, forcing Siena into a series of missed shots and turnovers that fueled their transition game. The first quarter ended with Dartmouth leading 18-11.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with the Big Green extending their advantage. A three-pointer from Nina Minicozzi of Belmont, Massachusetts, pushed the lead to 14 points. Dartmouth’s ability to capitalize on Siena’s mistakes was a key factor, as they consistently converted turnovers into points. The Saints struggled to find any offensive rhythm, shooting a dismal percentage from the field in the first half. Dartmouth took a commanding 36-21 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The game’s momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter. Siena, led by a determined effort from Francesca Schiro of Hillsborough, New Jersey, erupted for 21 points. The Saints opened the second half on a 12-2 run, cutting the deficit to just five points as Dartmouth’s offense went cold, managing only 11 points in the period. Schiro was the catalyst, scoring from all levels and facilitating for her teammates, as Siena dominated the paint and finally found some scoring consistency.

Facing a renewed challenge, Dartmouth responded in the fourth quarter. The Big Green tightened their defense once more and regained their composure at the free-throw line. After Siena drew within six points, the Big Green executed down the stretch, making critical free throws to seal the game. They outscored the Saints 18-13 in the final period to secure the 10-point win.

While not an offensive showcase for either team, Dartmouth’s efficiency at the line proved decisive. The Big Green shot 24 for 30 on free throws, while Siena attempted only 15, making 11. From the field, both teams struggled. Dartmouth made 16 of 46 attempts, but their 9-for-24 shooting from three-point range provided a crucial edge. Siena’s shooting woes were more profound, as they connected on just 20 of 61 field goals and a frigid 4 of 31 from beyond the arc.

Siena won the battle in the paint, outscoring Dartmouth 26 to 10, and collected 12 offensive rebounds to Dartmouth’s seven. However, the Saints were undone by 18 turnovers, which Dartmouth converted into 20 points. The Big Green, who committed 14 turnovers of their own, allowed Siena just five points off those mistakes.

Schiro was the standout performer in a losing effort, finishing with a game-high 22 points, along with five rebounds and three assists in 36 minutes. For Dartmouth, the victory was a balanced effort. Cate MacDonald of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Minicozzi added 14 points, while Alexandra Eldredge of McLean, Virginia, contributed 13 points. Ozel chipped in 11 points and four assists.

The result was an upset according to pregame analytics, as Interstat’s ELO system had projected Siena with an 89 percent probability to win. Dartmouth will look to build on the win when they host Merrimack on Dec. 2. Siena, still searching for its first victory, travels to face crosstown rival Albany on Wednesday.