PLYMOUTH, N.H. -- The Castleton University women's ice hockey team used two third period goals from Courtney Gauthier and defeated Plymouth State Friday evening, 3-1 in a New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) action. With the win over the Panthers tonight, the Spartans extended their winning streak to three straight games.

After a scoreless first period, the Spartans (3-2-0, 3-0-0 NEHC) opened up the scoring early in the second period. Gauthier, who tallied three points in tonight's contest, passed the puck across the blue line to Ryanne Mix who used a one-time shot and scored over goaltender Becca Bridge's left shoulder to give the Spartans the 1-0 lead.

The Panthers (1-3-0, 1-2-0 NEHC) were not down for long as they would answer at the 10:40 mark of the second period. After working the puck along the blue line, Sydney Linnick slung a shot that Caitlin Connor tipped up and to the glove side from her position in the slot to tie the game up at one.

With the game tied heading into the final period of play, the Spartans went on the attack and pulled away. The Panthers were called for a cross-checking penalty and the Spartans took advantage. Gauthier scored her first goal of the game as she broke the deadlock at the 2:34 mark of the period to give the Spartans a 2-1 lead.

As the time was winding down in the third period, the Spartans put the game away as Gauthier scored an empty net goal at the 18:28 mark to solidify the win.  

Goaltender Alexis Kalm was near perfect in goal once again as she earned the win by tallying 27 saves on 28 shots.

Women's ice hockey returns to action Saturday, November 16 as it travels to take on Southern Maine in NEHC action. The puck is scheduled to drop at 1 p.m.