The Dartmouth High School Indians varsity girls soccer team (2-3-2) defeated Barnstable High School Red Raiders (1-5), 1-0 on Thursday afternoon.

The first day of October proved to be a chilly one. The threat of a hurricane and the relentlessly drizzly weather prompted an early start for the game. A 20 degree drop in temperature had the crowd and benched players bundled up on the sidelines but no less enthusiastic about the game.

Dartmouth had already faced a 1-0 loss against Barnstable earlier in the season, so this win was especially sweet for the Indians. Girls Varisty Coach Mark Poirier was happy to see the Indians “turn the tables on them.”

Led by captains Sydney Silva, Samantha Medeiros and Nicole Gidley, the first and only goal of the game was scored early on by Medeiros.

Silva, defender Cali Andrade, and defender Gwenyth Taradash were the Indians’ heavy hitters, controlling the tide of much of the game.

There was a marked division in the playing styles of both teams. Where Barnstable appeared more aggressive at times, fearless in attacking the ball, Dartmouth were very calculating and played with visible strategy.

The rest of the match continued in a stalemate, both teams alternately following a pattern of solid defense, effective footwork and tricky plays to get the ball deeper into enemy territory, before defensive players were firing the ball back out of their side of the field.

Coach Mark Poirier was very satisfied with the team’s performance, especially given the slower start to the season. With 18 points needed to qualify for the MIAA State Tournament, this win against Barnstable has Dartmouth currently clocked in at nine points, now halfway there.

The win against Barnstable was certainly hard won.

“[Barnstable's] very defensive scheme… made it a bit of a challenge trying to score,” said Poirier.

The team has had smaller numbers than years past and numerous injuries to boot, but this has done little to put a damper on the Indians’ spirits. Due to their smaller numbers, the kids have had to become more versatile, Poirier said.

Players like senior Jennifer Wheaton, who was injured early in the season, continue to lead and be optimistic despite her limitations.

“I’m very pleased with the way the kids have continued to battle even though things early on didn’t go quite their way,” Poirier said.

Dartmouth’s next game is away against Bridgewater-Raynham on Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.