NORTHFIELD, VT. – An in-state battle between North Athletic Conference standout Castleton State College and Great Northeast Athletic Conference power Norwich University was a thriller to the finish May 2.

The visiting Spartans, moving to 11-6, used a rebounded goal off the stick of sophomore midfielder Blake Wardwell (Bridgewater, Vt.) just four seconds from the end of the first overtime period to claim a 10-9 non-conference clash from the Cadets (14-1).

Norwich had an opportunity in the final seconds of the second three-minute extra session when senior midfielder Kacey Abbriano (Hicksville, N.Y.) hammered a free position attempt at Castleotn goalkeeper Kelsey MacDonald (Burnt Hills, N.Y.). However, MacDonald pinned it to the ground for the winning save.

The ending was much like the earlier portions. The two teams traded leads throughout the first frame and were tied 6-6 at the break. Behind a pair of player-advantage goals in the second stanza, the visitors reeled off a three-goal run to go up 9-6 midway through. Angelica Mazzola (Centerport, N.Y.) and Cori Healy (Jefferson Township, N.J.) each took advantage with the extra player to give Castleton the lead.

Norwich battled back with three scores of its own for a 9-9 tie and had four good looks at Castleton's goal, three of which were thwarted by MacDonald in the final 7:28 of regulation.

Things couldn't have been much more even between the two in-state rivals. Castleton held a 34-28 shots advantage, while NU had five more ground ball pick-ups and was successful on five more clear attempts (28-23). Senior goalkeeper Meghan Kennedy (Lowell, Mass.) had one more save than MacDonald by a 12-11 count.

Sophomore midfielder Grace Fitzpatrick (Falmouth, Maine) led the Maroon and Gold offense with four goals, recording her 13th straight multiple-goal effort. Senior midfielder Mollie Fitzpatrick (Falmouth, Maine) turned in a multiple-score contest as well with three. Wardell topped the Spartans with three goals including the game winner.

Wardwell finished with three goals, while NAC East Rookie of the Year Kate Auer (South Glens Falls, N.Y.) finished with two goals and an assist.

Norwich now awaits its opponent in the 2012 NCAA Division III tournament with the selection announcement Sunday, May 6. Castleton prepares for its automatic national qualifying tournament showdown with Morrisville State in the NAC finale Saturday, May 5 at noon.

With win Castleton snapped the Cadet's 19-game home winning streak, as well as ended Norwich's perfect 14-0 season. The Spartans have now won three-straight over the Cadets.