Waterville, Maine - The Spartans earned a 1-0 road victory against North Atlantic Conference opponent Thomas College on Saturday afternoon. Blaire Hooper notched the squad's only tally of the day and Jessica Binkowski made a pair of saves to earn the shutout win.

In the first half, Castleton had several opportunities, outshooting the Terriers 16-1, but couldn't cash in on any of their attempts. The two squads went into the halftime break in a 0-0 deadlock.

Thomas nearly cracked the tie in the 50th minute on a cross to the box by Kajsa Kaufeldt that found the feet of Bronte Howorth. However a charging Binkowski eliminated the scoring threat with a point blank save, parrying the ball away.

The Spartans broke the scoreless draw in the 51st minute of play when Blaire Hooper took a shot from the left corner of the box that curved just inside the far post to beat the diving Thomas keeper. Hooper's second goal of the year put the Spartans ahead 1-0, a lead that Castleton held the rest of the way.

The Spartans outshot Thomas 30-3, and earned six corner kicks while allowing none. The win breaks a three-game losing streak for the Spartans, and ensures that the Spartans will host a NAC quarterfinal. 

Castleton improves to 11-7 on the season with a 7-1 record within the conference. The Spartans will return to action Sunday, Oct. 27 when they travel to Maine-Farmington for another conference showdown.