GORHAM, Maine – Castleton opened the day with its first victory of the season, taking down the University of Maine at Presque Isle before falling to host Southern Maine 3-0 in its final match of the afternoon. 

The Spartans were dominant in their victory over the Owls, recording 38 kills and an impressive 17 with just one error in the second set alone. Castleton took the first set 25-13 and dominated the second 25-10. The team held off Presque-Isle 25-20 in the last set to earn the win. 

Amanda Chambers led the team with nine kills and 11 digs while Alex Madsen recorded a season-high 21 assists with two aces. Kaylee Pratt added eight kills while Brittany Brayman had six kills, six aces, six digs and one block in a strong all-around effort. 

Facing a tough USM squad, the Spartans dropped the opening set by a 25-15 margin. They fell in the second by the same score (25-15) and lost the final set 25-18. Castleton recorded just 19 kills and 28 digs in the match. 

Brayman was a bright spot for the team, posting six kills, eight digs and one block. Michaela Babineau also played well, with seven assists, two aces and four digs. J'Leen Diaz added five kills and hit a team-high .364 in the match. 

The Spartans move to 1-2 on the year and return to action on Thursday when they host Southern Vermont at 7 pm in Glenbrook Gym.