Poultney, Vt. – The Spartans earned a convincing 3-0 victory over Bay Path in the first match of the day, but dropped a 3-2 decision to New Hampshire Technical Institute in their second match to move to 7-9 on the season. 

Castleton hit .186 while holding Bay Path College hitters to a -.098 clip as the Spartans won 25-9, 25-12 and 25-15. They received an almost flawless hitting performance from middle hitter Kaylee Pratt who had 11 kills while only making one error en route to a .529 attack percentage. Castleton's offense was also buoyed by freshman outside hitter Cassidy Tedeschi who had seven kills against only two errors. Freshman outside hitter Breannon Meuse paced the defense with 15 digs while setters Shelby Smith and Michaela Babineau each recorded 12 assists in the win. 

Kate Bartels and Elizabeth Haylette each tallied four kills to lead Bay Path.  Kacie Bayreuther led all players with 23 digs, while setter Aaliyah Gordon led the Wildcats with 13 assists and two service aces. 

Facing a tougher NHTI squad, Castleton dropped the firs two sets25-19 and 25-17. However the Spartans fought back to take the third set 25-18 and the fourth 25-14. In the fifth the teams were tied 10-10 before the Lynx scored the final five points to earn the win. 

A trio of hitters notching double digit kills led Castleton. Brittany Brayman finished with 14 kills, while teammates Pratt and Tedeschi supported her with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Amanda Chambers led the defensive effort for Castleton digging up a match-high 27 attacks while putting down nine kills of her own. Michaela Babineau and Shelby Smyth piloted the offense with 25 and 14 assists, respectively. 

Castleton will host Green Mountain and Colby-Sawyer next Sunday beginning at 10 am.