WORCESTER, Mass. – Brandi Whittemore scored a career-high seven goals to go along with two assists to help Castleton women's lacrosse to a 16-13 win over Worcester St. on Friday evening at John Coughlin Field.

Whittemore's nine points and four ground balls led the Spartans (2-3), as the senior surpassed the 100-goal mark for her career. Grace Johnson chipped in with three goals and three assists, while Brianna MacKay added three goals and one assist in the win. Megan Els made 20 saves in her second win of the season and second straight game with 20 saves or more.

Worcester St is now 2-3 and was led by Kaila Chase, who recorded eight goals and two assists. Jackie Connors scored a pair of goals and a pair of assists as well, while Krissy Pessa stopped 16 shots in goal.

Castleton got on the scoreboard first, when Chantel Wilkin took a pass from Maria Ploof and found the back of the net to make it 1-0 in favor of the Spartans. The Lancers answered with back-to-back goals of their own to take a 2-1 lead less than 10 minutes into the contest. After trading goals to make it 3-2 in favor of the home team, Castleton rallied with five unanswered goals to round out the opening half, including two goals each from Whittemore and MacKay to send the Spartans into the break leading 7-3.

The Spartan offensive onslaught continued, as they scored four of the first five goals of the second half. With Castleton leading 12-5 with 18:31 to play, the Lancers found the back of the net five times unanswered to draw back within two goals at 12-10. Whittemore scored her final goal of the game to stop the Worcester St. run, giving Castlton a 13-10 lead with 13:02 remaining.

The two teams traded goals for the remainder of the game, as the Spartans had an answer each time Worcester St. tried to make a comeback.

Castleton returns on action on Thursday when the team hosts Plymouth State at 4 pm.