CASTLETON, Vt. – The Spartans had their chances but the Westfield St. defense was stout and the team's offense was opportunistic as the Owls earned a 2-0 victory to clinch the Rutland Herald Invitational on a soggy Sunday afternoon at Spartan Stadium. 

Castleton actually out-shot visiting Westfield St. by a 16-11 margin and earned five more corner kicks, including a 4-0 disparity in the second half, but couldn't connect as they dropped to 1-1 on the season. 

The Owls, meanwhile, earned their second Rutland Herald Invitational Title in the last three seasons. Keeper Anne Stack was named MVP of the tournament after stopping 13 shots without allowing a goal over two games. 

Westfield St. came out strong in the opening minutes but Castleton had a good chance to take the lead in the 23rd minute off a corner kick. Dominique Valancius send the ball into the box and Nicole Wershoven's header went just wide of the net. 

The Owls struck in the 26th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Sarah Sypek dribbled the ball down the far sideline before sending a cross to the middle. Amanda Grant one-timed the ball from the middle of the six to the near post as Jessica Binkowski didn't have a chance on the play. 

Early in the second half the Owls nearly added to their lead as Kate Matroni ripped a ball from just outside the 18 that ricocheted off the inside of the crossbar before bouncing back into the field of play. 

In the 55th minute Castleton appeared poised to score as Mallory Costello received a through ball just inside the 18. However, Stack charged the junior as she received the ball and managed to deflect the Costello shot back out. 

Amanda Grant scored her second goal of the game with just under ten minutes remaining as she ripped a shot from the top of the 18 and it bounced off Binkowski's hands before dribbling back behind her into the net. 

Stack earned the win in net after making seven saves for her second straight shutout. Binkowski finished with two saves as she took the loss. 

The Spartans return to action on Thursday when they travel to face No. 3 Middlebury at 4 pm. 

All-Tournament Team
Angela Martorano – Rutgers-Camden
Tia Segretto – Oswego St.
Mallory Costello - Castleton
Amanda Grant – Westfield St.
Anne Stack – MVP – Westfield St.