CASTLETON, Vt. – The top-seeded Spartans started slowly but locked down on defense to advance to the North Atlantic Conference Semifinals with a 73-35 victory over No. 8 seed Thomas on Tuesday evening in Glenbrook Gymnasium. 

Castleton didn't shoot particularly well, but dominated the boards, owning a 49-32 advantage, including a 23-8 edge in offensive rebounds. The Spartans finished the day at 41.9 percent from the field as they improved to a program-record best 25-1. The Terriers shot just 30.4 percent from the floor and turned the ball over 33 times as they dropped to 7-18 on the year. 

Four different players reached double figures for Castleton and 11 total recorded at least two points. Alyssa Leonard had a team-high 13 points to go with five rebounds and three assists. Liz Douglass came off the bench to match her with 13 while Heather Murdough was all over the floor with eight rebounds, seven points, seven steals and two assists. 

Megan Pelletier was the only Thomas player in double figures as she totaled 17. She also added six rebounds and four blocks but did turn it over six times. Jasmine Bishop chipped in with five points and four rebounds. 

Castleton jumped out to a 7-2 advantage, but the Terriers closed the gap to 7-6 with 14:51 left in the half. Douglass countered with a shot that ignited a 17-0 run, as the Spartans held Thomas scoreless until the 6:50 mark. Castleton slowly extended their lead and also scored the final eight points of the half to take a 41-12 lead at the break. 

In the second the Spartans pushed their lead over 30, and a steal and fast break layup by Kelly Conway made it 49-16 with 15:46 remaining. The team continued to maintain their lead and actually pushed it as high as 41 in the final three minutes before finishing with the 38-point victory. 

Bryanna DuPont was impressive in limited minutes, scoring just two points but dishing off five assists to go with four rebounds and a pair of blocks. Meghan O'Sullivan and Stephanie Bull each reached double figures for Castleton with ten points. 

The Spartans return to action on Friday when they host fifth seeded Maine-Farmington on Friday evening in the NAC Semifinals. The Beavers upset No. 4 seed Maine Maritime 56-52 to advance to the semis.