Castleton, Vt. – The Spartans were sharp in their opening match of the day, taking down Anna Maria 3-1 but stumbled in the day's second contest, falling to MCLA 3-1 on Saturday afternoon in Glenbrook Gym. 

In the season-opener for both squads, Castleton came out strong against the AMCATS, taking the first two sets 25-14 and 25-19. The Spartans faltered in the third, dropping it 25-17. The final set was back-and-forth and following three consecutive points, Anna Maria drew even 20-20. However, Brittany Brayman put Castleton in front with a kill and then served the final four points as the Spartans pulled off the 25-20 win. 

Amanda Chambers posted a double-double in the contest, leading the team with ten kills and adding 18 digs. Brayman was second with eight kills while Kristi Lawless added 14 digs. Shelby Smith dished a team-high 17 assists and had five service aces. 

For the AMCATS, Alex Rodriguez had a team-high 14 kills and hit .237 with six service aces. Michelle Connolly recorded a team-high 14 digs while Samantha Parker had 12 digs to go with her 24 assists. 

Against MCLA, Castleton jumped out to a 13-10 lead in the first set, but the Trailblazers used an 8-0 run to take control and finish with 25-20 victory. MCLA kept the momentum in the second set and led throughout, earning the 25-17 win. 

In the third set the Spartans fell behind 20-15, however, they went on a 5-1 run to pull within one, 21-20. They tied it up three points later and finished with the 25-23 win. Castleton failed to complete the comeback and dropped the final set 25-21. 

Allie Chang was dominant for the Trailblazers, hitting .344 with a match-high 14 kills, 12 digs and eight service aces. Kendra Hobbs recorded a team-high 15 digs with three service aces as the team totaled 21 aces. 

Brayman led the Castleton attack with seven kills while Kaylee Pratt added three in just five attempts. Smyth dished off ten assists and had six service aces while Lawless finished with 19 digs and three aces. 

The Spartans move to 1-1 on the season and return to action on Sept. 8 when they face Southern Maine at 3 pm.