MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – The Castleton women's soccer team dropped to 1-2 on the season after losing a hard-fought match to No. 3 Middlebury 3-0.

The Panthers were in control from the beginning of the game, taking just three minutes to grab its first lead of the match when junior forward Jamie Soroka knocked in the team's first goal of the season. Moria Sloane pushed the ball up the left flank and gave the ball to Claire Nishioka, who set up the junior Soroka for goal.

Middlebury doubled its lead, 2-0, just eighteen minutes later with Soroka again providing a pivotal influence. The junior forward picked up an assist when she was able to find an open Krystina Reynolds, who knocked the ball into the back of the net.

In the 26th minute, the Spartans had their best chance of the game when Middlebury's keeper Kate Reinmuth deflected freshman Sarah Carlson's shot, causing the ball to ricochet off both posts before being cleared.

Soroka capped off a memorable start to her junior campaign by picking up her second assist of the contest in the 72nd minute. Castleton keeper Jessica Binkowski denied Soroka's attempt on goal, but Kate Raszka picked up the rebound and buried a 16-yard shot to give Middlebury a three-goal advantage.

The Panthers continually forced Binkowski into making save after save as Middlebury had 14 shots on target. The Spartans keeper ended the game with 11 saves in a losing effort.

Castleton's offense was able to create a few chances, as they had seven shots with five on goal. However, Reinmuth was able to keep the ball out of the net with five saves in the shutout.

The Spartans will be in action again this Saturday when they travel to Norwich for a non-conference match beginning at 6 pm.