Castleton Edges Out UMass-Boston

Boston, Mass. – The Castleton Spartans were able to stave off a tenacious UMass-Boston rally and preserve a victory over the Beacons 4-3 in Boston on Friday night.

Senior defenseman Dani Roberts dished off three assists and junior forward Brianna Narodowy netted two goals as the Spartans skated to their third victory in four contests.

The Spartans were the first to strike, scoring just 2:51 into the game. Freshman standout Anna Daniels netted her sixth goal of the season, scoring off of a pass from Nicoline Jensen. Dani Roberts received the second assist on the play.

With a 1-0 lead, the Spartans continued pressing. With 9:19 left in the first, Brianna Narodowy struck, sneaking the puck past Beacons goaltender Casey Schaejbe. Dani Roberts received her second assists of the game on the play.

Just 2:08 later, Castleton struck again, this time getting a goal from senior Jade Werger. The forward slipped past the Beacons defense to score the unassisted goal, extending the Spartans' lead to 3-0.

The second period began with a Beacons goalie change, as Kailyn Burke entered for UMass-Boston. The sophomore made seven saves in the second period and held the Spartans scoreless. 

In the third period, the Beacons finally found the net. Alli Greenberg and Sarahanne Cavolo scored just 1:03 apart, narrowing the Castleton lead to just 3-2.

With the Beacons closing fast, the Spartans received a much-needed insurance goal from Narodowy as she netted her second goal of the contest. The score increased the Spartan lead to 4-2, and gave the visitors some breathing room.

With 40 seconds remaining, the Beacons knocked in a power play goal to close the lead to one, but the Spartans were able to close out the game for the 4-3 victory.

Sophomore Paula Stephens finished with 37 saves for the Spartans, earning her fourth win of the season. Burke turned away 14 shots, but received the loss after allowing the Spartans' fourth goal.

With the win Castleton improves their historic start to a program-best 5-1-1. The Spartans will travel to Manchester, N.H. to take on the St. Anselm Hawks Saturday December 1.