CASTLETON, Vt. – Castleton fell behind just seven minutes into play and was never able to overcome the deficit, as Middlebury captured a 2-0 victory this evening at Spartan Stadium in non-conference action. 

Adrianna Gildner provided the scoring for the Panthers with her second two-goal game of the season, as the Spartans suffered their second loss in their last seven contests. Castleton now stands at 8-7 on the season, while Middlebury snapped its three-game winless streak to improve to 4-3-4 on the year.

The Panthers wasted little time to jump in front, as Gildner scored just seven minutes in to give the away side a 1-0 lead. From the middle of the field, Hannah Robinson delivered a through ball to a cutting Gildner just inside the box. The junior forward collected the pass before bending a strike past the keeper and into the far corner of the net to put the away side ahead by one. 

Middlebury continued to maintain the offensive momentum throughout the opening half, producing seven shots and forcing the Castleton defense into action on a regular basis. The Spartans backline, however, stood strong and saw off any scoring threats to maintain the one-goal deficit heading into the break. 

Less than 30 seconds into the second half, Middlebury had a golden opportunity to double its advantage. Jamie Soroka received the ball while streaking down the near flank and dribbled into the box before firing a curving shot on goal. However, Jessica Binkowski was able to get a hand on the shot and force the ball off the crossbar to deny the scoring threat.

Just three minutes later, the Panther attack was at it again, and this time it wouldn't be denied, as Gildner capped off an impressive day by scoring her second goal of the contest and seventh of the season. Binkowski produced a fantastic, double-save to deny Middelbury's initial two attempts on goal, but Gildner finished the third try off her own rebound to give the squad a 2-0 lead.   

The Spartans responded well, and in the 50th minute of play, they had their best opportunity of the contest. Mallory Costello dribbled across the crease before laying the ball off to Eva Clark, who put a shot on target. However, Kate Reinmuth was able to deny Clark's effort for one of her two saves in the game to secure a 2-0 Middlebury victory.

Despite allowing two goals Binkowski was a commanding presence in net for Castleton, producing five saves and stifling a number of breakaway opportunities in the losing effort. Reinmuth, meanwhile captured her first shutout and third victory of the season after playing all 90 minutes in net. 

The Spartans return to the pitch next week with a busy slate, as they face Colby-Sawyer on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 4 pm at Spartan Stadium before hosting Husson and Maine Maritime in back-to-back days on Oct. 24-25.