Castleton, Vt. – The Spartans kept it close early but gave up four consecutive goals midway through the contest as they fell 5-2 to 15th-ranked Skidmore on Friday evening in Spartan Stadium. 

Castleton actually outshot the Thoroughbreds by a 23-20 margin and drew more penalty corners as well, 14-10, but just couldn't convert as effectively as Skidmore. Senior Brynn Cayia scored both Spartan goals while senior Kelly Blackhurst led the Thoroughbred attack with three goals and one assist on eight shots. 

Skidmore scored first, breaking through just 12:12 into the contest. Sophomore Dani DiGregory found senior Blackhurst right in front and she put it past Jessica Galatioto for the 1-0 advantage. 

Following the goal, Castleton put pressure on the Thoroughbreds, eventually earning back-to-back penalty corners. On the second attempt, Rachel Preusser hit the penalty corner to Kristy Pinkham and she dished it to Cayia, who lifted a shot over the goalie and into the back of the net. 

At 26:39, Skidmore broke the tie as Blackhurst and DiGregory connected once again, with DiGregory scoring, for the 2-1 advantage. 

In the second half the Thoroughbreds added to their lead with a pair of goals in the 44th minute and 58th minute by Blackhurst for the 5-1 lead. Skidmore made it 6-1 at 63:41 on a score by Melanie Webb after her initial attempt was blocked by Galatioto. 

Castleton concluded the scoring with less than four minutes remaining on a penalty corner. This time it was Annie Towslee who dished off the Preusser pass to Cayia, and she finished it for her second goal of the evening. 

Skidmore goalie Haley McDougall was impressive in net with 11 saves and while her defense recorded three. Galatioto was also strong in net, making ten stops. 

The Thoroughbreds improve to 1-0 on the season while the Spartans drop to 0-1. Castleton returns to action on Sept. 3 when the team travels to face Keene St.