PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. –  The Spartans' comeback fell just short on Wednesday evening as they dropped a tough 3-2 decision to Plattsbugh St. at the Field House Soccer Complex.
 
Most of the first half was uneventful until Ashley Pagano's strong strike from outside the ten-yard box found the back of the net to give Plattsburgh St. (3-0-0) a 1-0 lead. Renee Egan was credited with the assist on Pagano's first of the year in the 41st minute.
 
Freshman Mallory Costello (Vernon, N.J.) tallied her fifth of the year on a shot from five yards out that bounced off Plattsburgh goalie Monica D'Ippolito, tying to game at 1-1 in the 49th minute.
 
At 56:30, Kayla Rabideau gave Plattsburgh a 2-1 lead when she was able to get a boot on a pass from Kristie Pageau, beating Castleton (1-2-0) goaltender Sarah Shilstone (Deer Park, N.Y.). Less than six minutes later Rabideau sent a cross through the box to Ashley McKenelley who was positioned in the middle, burying her shot and giving the Cardinals a two-goal lead.
 
Senior Kelsey Garceau (St. Albans, Vt.) cut the Plattsburgh St. lead to one when she tapped in a ball from five yards out that scooted by D'Ippolito, but that was as close as the Spartans would get on this night.
 
The Cardinals outshot the Spartans, 20-8, including a 9-1 margin in the first half. Plattsburgh drew five corner kicks, while Castleton took two.
 
D'Ippolito recorded four saves to earn her third win on the win. Shilstone made 10 stops in the loss, dropping to 0-2 on the year.

Castleton returns to the friendly confines of Spartan Stadium this weekend when the team hosts the Rutland Herald Invitational on Saturday and Sunday. The Spartans open play at 1 p.m. versus Smith.