Henniker, N.H. - Castleton began its third consecutive North Atlantic Conference title defense with a victory on Saturday, downing New England College 2-1 in both teams' conference opener.

It took a heroic effort from an upperclassman to seal the victory for the Spartans. With the score tied at 1-1 in the late minutes, junior Jenna Bostwick finished off a corner played in by freshman Morgan Young to put the Spartans up 2-1 with just over eight minutes to play. The goal held up as the squad earned their first NAC victory of the 2013 campaign.

Castleton outshot the Pilgrims 12-2 and maintained offensive pressure throughout to keep the Pilgrims at bay. Spartan goalkeeper Jessica Binkowski earned her fifth win of the season in net without making a save. NEC goalie Tricia Sardagnola stopped six shots and took the loss.

It was freshman Dominique Valancius who put the Spartans on the board in the first half. The forward bounced a shot over the Sardagnola's head and in to put Castleton up 1-0 in the 28th minute of play. 

Just before halftime, the Pilgrims found an answer. Off of a set piece, Eleni Hatsis beat Binkowski to knot the game at 1-1 in the 43rd minute. At the break, the score remained tied. 

As the second half played out, it appeared as if the score might end up in a 1-1 tie, but Bostwick's goal turned the tide into the Spartans favor, propelling them to the 2-1 victory. Bostwick finished the game with a goal and her fifth assist of the season, most on the team.

With the victory, Castleton moves to 5-3 on the season and 1-0 in the NAC. The Spartans will return to action when they host Johnson St. on Tuesday, Sept. 24.