CASTLETON, Vt. - The Castleton State College women's soccer team scored twice in the first 16 minutes on their way to a decisive 5-0 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) victory over New England College on homecoming weekend at Spartan Stadium on Saturday evening.

Castleton outshot the visiting Pilgrims 28-4 and the defense was impressive as they didn't allow a shot on goal in the second half and recorded their third shutout in four games. The win also extended the Spartans' regular season conference unbeaten streak to 19 games (18-0-1). Over that span the Castleton has outscored its opponents by an emphatic 79-1 margin, with all wins coming by way of the shutout.

The Spartans got on the board early, scoring 5:46 into the first half, courtesy of senior Courtney Chadburn (No. Clarendon, Vt.). The striker took a long pass from Sarah Ethier (Portsmouth, R.I.) just outside the 18 and chipped a shot over the charging keeper for her seventh goal of the year and a 1-0 lead.

Castleton made it 2-0 in the 15th minute as Hilary Cooke (Marlborough, Mass.) collected a Brynn Campbell (No. Clarendon, Vt.) corner kick inside the six and fired it home for the 2-0 advantage.

Maria Arnot (Milford, N.Y.) added to the Spartan lead at the 20:58 mark when she controlled a deflected cross inside the six and shot it past Alyssa Whitcomb (Littleton, Mass.) for a 3-0 lead.

Less than 11 minutes into the second half, Chadburn took the ball down the right sideline and lofted a corner to the far side of the six for Cooke, who one-timed it into the back of the net.

Castleton added to its lead in the 63rd minute as Kelsey Garceau (St. Albans, Vt.) had her initial shot blocked by keeper Kassandra Flint (Sherwood, Ore.) before collecting the rebound and scoring her fourth goal of the season.

Flint and Whitcomb each played 45 minutes in net for NEC, combing to make eight saves. Davis had to make one save in her half of play and freshman Katja Langmaid (Enosburg Falls, Vt.) wasn't forced to make any while playing the final half.

With the loss the Pilgrims drop to 4-4-1 on the season and 0-2-1 in the North Atlantic Conference. The Spartans improve to 6-3 overall and 2-0 in the NAC with the victory.

Castleton returns to action on Oct. 1, when the Spartans travel to play Elmira at 3 p.m.