CASTLETON, Vt. - Freshman Sami Ritter (Wantage, N.J.) scored the second-half equalizer and netted the game winner with just under four minutes remaining in regulation as the Spartans captured a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Mass College of Liberal Arts on Wednesday evening at Spartan Stadium. 

Ritter's final tally came with just 3:46 on the clock in it was set up on a great pass from classmate Mallory Costello (Vernon, N.J.). Costello carried the ball down the near sideline before slipping a pass between two defenders toward the six for Ritter. She received the ball in stride, blasting a one-timer into the back of the net. 

Despite the close score Castleton owned a dramatic 39-11 shot advantage. The Spartans forced keeper Danielle Hainsohn (Norfolk, Mass.) to make 19 saves, many with numerous players in her face. Castleton also earned 11 corner kicks compared to just two for the Trailblazers. 

The Spartans had a number of chances in the first 45 minutes, including four corner kicks. However, Hainsohn and her defense were stout, repeatedly denied Castleton inside the 18. 

MCLA broke through first in the second half, scoring in the 57th minute. The ball deflected from the near side of the field to Jennifer Ferrari (Westfield, Mass.) just outside of the middle of the 18 and she took one touch before lifting a shot over freshman Sarah Shilstone (Deer Park, N.Y.) for the 1-0 lead.

Castleton responded just 3:47 later on a nice play by Ritter. The freshman took control of the ball on the near side of the field 30 yards out and carried it toward the middle of the 18. She beat her defender, took two dribbles inside the 18 and blasted a shot past Hainsohn for the equalizer. 

Ritter added her second goal of the game in the 87th minute to give the Spartans their first lead of the evening. 

Shilstone finished the contest with six saves to earn her second win of the season. Hainsohn took the loss with her 19 saves. 

Castleton returns to action on Saturday when it concludes a football, soccer, soccer tripleheader at Spartan Stadium with a 7:30 p.m. game against Lyndon St.