Henniker, N.H.— The Spartans found themselves in an early 2-0 hole as the New England College Pilgrims netted two goals in the first five minutes of Saturday's contest. Castleton couldn't overcome the deficit and dropped their first NAC contest of the year.

With the win the Pilgrims improve to 5-2-1 overall and open North Atlantic Conference (NAC) play with a win, while the loss drops the Spartans to 6-2-0 on the season and even their NAC record at 1-1-0.

New England College got on the board just three minutes into the opening half as junior midfielder Rob Lucas (Hooksett, N.H.) touched in a pass from forward Manny Arteaga (Norwalk, Conn.).

The Pilgrims extended their lead to 2-0 just 1:47 later as senior Zak Harris (Bennington, Vt.) got a head on a corner off the foot of Lucas recording his second goal of the season.

Castleton was able to answer at the 10:28 mark in the game as Bryce Kaler (Burnt Hills, N.Y.) put in a free-kick off the foot of Dillon Zaegle (Westhampton, Mass.).

The two teams would battle through the remainder of the opening half as Castleton held the slight 7-5 advantage in shots.

Castleton would turn up the offensive pressure in the second half out shooting NEC 11-2.  The Spartans best scoring chance came in the 86th minute as Spencer Dandurand (Colchester, Vt.) got a quality look at the goal but NEC keeper Robert Millard (Barrington, R.I.) came up with the save keeping Castleton from netting the equalizer.

Picking up the win in net for NEC was Robert Millard (Barrington, R.I.) who finished an impressive 16 saves. In net for Castleton was Nate Koenemann (Montpelier, Vt.) who collected two saves.