Rutland, Vt. - On the day that the Spartans recognized their seniors, the team could not pull out a victory to honor the graduating group, falling 4-0 at the hands of Salve Regina at Spartan Arena Friday afternoon.

Castleton outshot Salve Regina 23-22, but took seven penalties, allowing six power play opportunities on the day. The Seahawks converted on three of those chances to bury the Spartans.

In the first period, Sarah Markey knocked in a goal for Salve Regina. The sophomore redirected a shot from the point that slipped in past the sprawling Paula Stephens to put the Seahawks up 1-0.

In the second period, Salve Regina added two more scores. On a power play, Taylor Shepherd ripped a shot that Stephens was able to kick away. The puck went right to Seahawks forward Michaela Chiuccariello who wristed it into the back of the net to extend the Salve Regina lead. Later in the period, Shelby Johnson added to tally when she wrapped around the Spartans' net to beat Stephens glove side. At the second intermission, Castleton trailed 3-0.

In the final frame, Molly O'Sullivan added a goal to extend the Seahawks lead to 4-0. Melanie Sherlock and Danielle Phalon received assists on the play. The Spartans had chances down the stretch, as forwards Jessica Spidle, Nicoline Jensen, and Molly Howard each ripped a flurry of shots on net in the third, but none of their efforts beat the Seahawks goaltender Ali Muehlbronner.  

Stephens made 18 saves in the losing effort for the Spartans while Muehlbronner notched 21 saves and earned the win for the Seahawks.

Castleton finishes their regular season with a 9-11-5 record, and a 6-7-5 mark in the ECAC East. The team will likely earn the fourth seed in the conference tournament, hosting their first playoff game in program history next weekend.