RUTLAND, Vt. - The Spartans trailed 2-1 for the final five minutes of the game on Friday evening but couldn't punch in a late goal for the equalizer as they dropped a 2-1 decision to Umass-Boston at Spartan Area on Pink the Rink night.
Castleton came out in pink uniforms on Friday for Pink the Rink night, a fundraiser to support breast cancer research.
The team actually outshot the visiting Beacons 37-31, but could only convert once as they dropped to 3-4 on the season and 3-2 in the ECAC East. Conversely, Umass-Boston improved to 4-4-2 and 3-3-1 in the ECAC East.
Both teams had their opportunities in the first period, including a near breakaway attempt for the Spartans and a couple 2-on-1 rushes for the Beacons. Both goaltenders stood their ground, as Leah Hallett (Rocky Hill, Conn.) turned away seven shots and junior Katharyn Dembowski (Elkridge, Md.) made 11 stops between the pipes for Castleton.
The Spartans came out much more aggressive in the second period, outshooting Umass-Boston 15-10. They had a number of good chances, including shots by Stephanie Bardell (Eriwina, Pa.) and Meagan Hulbert (Barre, Vt.) in the first five minutes. Castleton's two best chances came on power plays, as the puck slid in front of the net both times, however Hallett was able to get a pad on it to make the stop.
In the third period, Umass-Boston got a power play early and was able to cover 6:43 into the period. Dylan Caron (Burrillville, R.I.) picked up a loose puck on the right side of the net and chipped the puck over a sprawled out Dembowski for the lead.
Caron found the net 2:17 later off another rebound on the right side of the net to push the Beacon lead to 2-0 with an assist coming from Tori Pizzuto (Waterbury, Conn.).
Castleton cut the lead in half 15:40 into the final period, as Jade Werger (Maple Ridge, B.C.) scored just five seconds into Spartan power play. Werger scored right in front of the net with an assist from junior Christine Newton (Ogden, Utah).
The Spartans kept pressure, including an onslaught of shots in the final minute, but Haller turned away each one to earn the victory.
Castleton returns to action on Saturday at 3 p.m. when they host St. Anselm at Spartan Arena.
