CASTLETON, Vt. - The Spartans put forth an impressive defensive effort to earn their second consecutive victory, taking down previously unbeaten Bay Path College 3-1 on Saturday afternoon at Glenbrook Gym.

Castleton needed a little extra time in the first set, but outlasted the Wildcats to earn the 27-25 win. The Spartans offense struggled in the second set, losing 25-19, however, they bounced back for a 25-21 win in the third set. The Spartans closed out the match with a 25-12 victory in the final set.

Castleton hit just .216 but recorded season-highs of 90 digs and 11 total blocks, repeatedly frustrating the Wildcat offense. Bay Path recorded nearly 40 more attacks but the defense held strong and allowed the visitors just one set where they hit over .160 and forced them to hit .046 for the match.

Five different players recorded double figure digs, led by senior Nicole Valastro (So. Glens Falls, N.Y.) with 20. Freshmen Patrice Herrington (Cambridge, N.Y.) added 18 and Bridget McCarthy (Nashua, N.H.) had 15, while classmates Amanda Chambers (Lake George, N.Y.) and Shelby Smyth (Chelmsford, Mass.) both had 11 digs.

McCarthy was all over the court for the Spartans, finishing one kill shy of a triple-double with her line of nine kills, 17 assists and 15 digs. Chambers and Smith also had double-doubles, with Chambers hitting .400 and tying for the team-lead with 12 kills, while Smith dished out a team-high 21 assists.

Junior Grace Schreiber (Cheshire, Conn.) hit .308 with 12 kills and added four solo blocks, six total, to pace the team. Classmate Sarah Wheeler (Kinderhook, N.Y.) finished with five total blocks and recorded ten kills.

Castleton returns to action on Thursday when they host MCLA for a 7 p.m. match in Glenbrook Gym.