HENNIKER, N.H.— The Castleton women's soccer team scored twice in the first half and held on for the 2-1 victory over New England College on Saturday afternoon in Henniker.

With the win the Spartans improve to 5-2-1 overall and 2-0-0 in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC).  The loss drops the Pilgrims to 3-5-1 on the season and 0-2-0 in NAC play.

Castleton got on the board in the 16th minute of play when senior forward Kelsey Garceau (St. Albans, Vt.) dribbled around an NEC defender and fired a shot past NEC keeper Tricia Sardagnola (Shrewsbury, Mass.).

The Spartans grabbed another goal in the opening half of play as Jenna Bostwick (Pembroke, Mass.) scored her third goal of the season, assisted by Garceau in the 25th minute.

The two teams battled through the remainder of the half scoreless as Castleton out-shot the Pilgrims11-3.

NEC got on the board in the 78th minute of play as first-year midfielder Alyssa Krause (Northfield, N.H.) netted her third goal of the season off a nice feed from Courtney Joyal (Castleton, Vt.).

The Spartans continued to bring the offensive pressure late, finishing the game with a 23-7 shot advantage. NEC's best chance to tie the game came in the 79th minute as Caroline Mols (Verona, N.J.) sent a free-kick just high of the net.

Picking up the win in net for Castleton was Kaleigh Newton (Morrisville, Vt.), who finished with five saves.  NEC's Sardagnola stopped an impressive 15 shots in net for the Pilgrims.

NEC returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 26 when they travel to take on non-conference opponent Gordon College.  The Spartans return to play on Monday, Sept. 24 when they host non-conference foe Plymouth State University.