MANCHESTER, N.H. - Sixth-ranked Castleton improved to 4-0 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a scrappy St. Anselm squad at Thomas F. Sullivan Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The Spartans once again got timely scoring and good defense to move to 4-0 for the second straight season and a perfect 4-0 in the ECAC East. Sophomore Erick Cinotti (Mahwah, N.J.) was strong between the pipes with 29 saves and the Castleton defense shut down the Hawks on all four of their power play opportunities.

Sophomore Kyle Pichler (Anchorage, Alaska) got the Spartans off to the quick start, scoring just 2:31 into the first period off a pass from classmate Ross Herzog (Wainwright, Alb.) for his first goal of the season. Castleton didn't get another goal in the period despite outshooting St. Anselm 10-8.

In the second, St. Anselm came out aggressive and were rewarded with 1:49 left in the period as freshman Joe Agliato (Hauppage, N.Y.) scored an unassisted goal. The Hawks finished with the 14-8 shot advantage in period.

Just 1:32 into the third the Spartans broke through as freshman Ryan Frost (Fullerton, Calif.) scored his first collegiate goal off assists from juniors Chris Wieland (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Dan Bell (Victoria, B.C.). The Castleton defense was tough over the final 17:28 and Spartans left with the victory.

St. Anselm used a pair of goalies on Saturday, as Robert Kang (Glen Rock, N.J.) played the first 9:39, making four saves. He was relieved by Nick Dries (Commerce Township, Mich.) made 20 saves over the final 50:19 of the game. The Hawks drop to 2-2 overall and in the ECAC East.

 Castleton returns to action on Friday when the Spartans host Babson at Spartan Area at 7 p.m.