Vero Beach, Fla. – Castleton split with instate rival Norwich in Florida on Friday, beating the Cadets 5-3 in the opening game before falling 2-1 in the finale. 

The Spartans got an impressive 4-for-4 day from Jessica Babcock in the opener while Kayla Wood went the distance for the win. The sophomore gave up three unearned runs on six hits while striking out nine batters and walking a pair. 

Norwich actually jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first game, scoring three unearned runs in the bottom of the second followed a two-out error. 

Castleton got a run back in the top of the fourth. Chelsea Grady and Ruby Bushey led off with back-to-back singles and Grady came around to score on an error to make it 3-1. 

The Spartans came all the way back in the top of the sixth. Stephanie Sylvester rapped a one-out single and Sami Carlo reached on an error. Kayla Daigle then singled home a run and Kristi Lawless followed with a two-RBI double to give Castleton a 4-3 lead. Babcock added some insurance with an RBI in the frame. 

Wood then allowed just one hit over the final two innings to get the win. 

Norwich led off the second game with two runs in the top of the top of the first, courtesy of three singles and a sacrifice bunt. However, freshman starter Taylor Paquette settled down and retired the next 12 batters to keep the Spartans close. 

Castleton got a run back in the bottom of the sixth as McKinlie Carpenter scored on a passed ball with one out. Runners advanced to second and third on the play but they were stranded on consecutive outs to second base. 

The Spartans then went down in order in the seventh as Taylor Morris finished off her complete game. She went 7.0 innings, giving up two hits while striking out one and walking a single batter. 

Paquette went the full 7.0 innings and allowed just four hits overall with one walk and eight strikeouts. Brayman and Bushey provided the lone Castleton hits.