JOHNSON, Vt. – The Spartans improved to 7-6 overall and 4-1 in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) after beating Johnson St. (7-6, 2-4 NAC) on Saturday, 3-0. Mallory Costello, Kiley Baran and Sarah Carlson provided the scoring for Castleton en route to the victory.

Entering the contest, the Badgers had been the highest scoring team in the NAC with 36 goals in 12 matches, however, it was the Spartans who struck first when Costello notched her team-high seventh goal of this season in the 11th minute. Carlson delivered a through ball in the middle of the field that Costello gathered and fired past Johnson St.'s keeper, Amber McCullock, to give Castleton a 1-0 lead.

The Spartans attack continued to pressure the Badgers defense over the next 30 minutes, forcing McCullock to produce nine saves.

Just before halftime, Castleton finally was able to extend its lead when Kiley Baran picked up her second goal of this season. Costello sent a pass to Baran who collected the ball, turned and delivered a strike from 20 yards out that flew into the top corner of the net to double the Spartans advantage.

Castleton tacked on its third and final goal in the 58th minute after Sarah Carlson beat McCullock for her sixth goal of this season to make it 3-0. 

Jessica Binkowski featured in net for the Spartans, picking up her seventh win and fifth shutout of the season after making seven saves. McCullock dropped to 6-6 for Johnson St. after making 15 saves with three goals allowed in the loss.

Castleton's season continues next Tuesday when they host New England College at Spartan Stadium for a NAC match beginning at 4 pm.