New London, N.H. – Freshman Mallory Costello netted two goals for Castleton's women's soccer team as they avenged their only regular season conference loss, defeating Colby-Sawyer 2-1 in the North Atlantic Conference Championship game on Saturday.

Costello, named 2012 NAC Women's Soccer Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, showed why she was named best in the conference by netting two goals when it mattered most. The forward scored in the 11th minute when she volleyed a corner kick from Sami Ritter to put the Spartans in the lead. 

She tallied another score in the 29th minute, burying the ball into the back of the net off a cross from Ericka Davis. The tally gave the Spartans a 2-0 lead entering halftime. 

In the second half, Castleton hunkered down on defense, bracing for increased offensive pressure from the Chargers. The Spartans were successful in putting a damper on any Colby-Sawyer advances until the 81st minute when Colby-Sawyer's Adrienne Bender got loose at the top of the box and placed the ball past Castleton goalie Kaleigh Newton.

The Chargers continued to apply pressure until the final whistle, but the Spartans hung on for the 2-1 win to seal their third consecutive conference championship. 

Costello's efforts earned her the title of Tournament MVP, joining four other Spartans on the All-tournament team. Sarah Ethier, Kelsey Lenney, Ritter, and Newton were also named to the All-Tournament Team.

With their victory, Castleton earns its third straight NCAA Tournament berth. The NCAA Tournament Selection will broadcast live on the NCAA website Monday, Nov. 5 at 1:30 pm.

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