Saratoga Springs, N.Y. - The Spartans suffered a tough conference loss at the hands of Skidmore on Tuesday night in Saratoga Springs. Castleton fell 3-1 to the Thoroughbreds, losing to the squad for the first time since the 2011-2012 season.

The Spartans allowed an early score, but tied the game in the second period. Castleton surrendered a pair of unanswered goals later in the second frame that made the difference in the game.

Skidmore took a 1-0 lead with the lone goal of the first period. Brian McQuillan and Tony Giacin forced a neutral zone turnover in the front of the Castleton bench that sent Aaron Beck in alone for the first tally of the game at 7:03. 

The Spartans tied it early in the second period when Brian Greene knocked down a clearing pass and sent Brock Labelle in on a short breakaway for his first collegiate goal at 2:23.  The Thoroughbreds rallied right back with two quick goals in a 1:59 span to take the final 3-1 lead. Giacin scored at 3:06 from Anders Gundersen and Sam Bloom scored his first collegiate goal from Vlad Gavrik at 5:05.

Neither team found the net in the third period with each team unable to convert on power-play opportunities. The Spartans failed to convert on all five of their power play chances, but were 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Skidmore goalie Jack McDonald finished with 30 saves, including two skate saves during a third period Castleton power play.  Erick Cinotti had 19 saves for the Spartans and took the loss in net.

The Thoroughbreds travel to the North Country next for non-league games against Plattsburgh on Jan. 10 and Potsdam on Jan. 11. Castleton plays the opposite schedule with Potsdam on the 10th and Plattsburgh on the 11th. All games are at 7 p.m.