RUTLAND, Vt. -- Led by two power play goals from Samantha Lawler and Nicolle Trivino, the Castleton University women's ice hockey team defeated New England College 3-0 Friday afternoon at Spartan Arena. With the win today, the Spartans earn their fifth straight victory and improve to 5-2-0 (5-0-0 NEHC) while New England College falls to 0-7-0 (0-5-0 NEHC).

Defense was strong from both teams as neither team found the back of the net in the first period. New England College however came out shooting as the Pilgrims outshot the Spartans 5-3 after the first 20 minutes of play.

The Spartans opened the scoring at the 5:17 mark in the second period as Lawler scored on the power play to give the Spartans the lead. After a Pilgrim penalty, goaltender Sean D'urso saved an initial shot by Samantha Munroe but Lawler was in the right place at the right time and tipped the rebound in as she tallied her third goal of the season.

With the Spartans holding onto a slim lead after two periods of play, Ali Stevens would double the lead at the 2:15 mark of the third period. After a lazy pass by the Pilgrims in their own defensive zone, Stevens had a clear path and buried her third goal of the season.

The Spartans would add one more goal over five minutes later to solidify the win. Trivino scored on her own rebound to tally her third goal of the season.

The Spartans went two for six on the power play while the Pilgrims went scoreless in two power play opportunities.

Goaltender Alexis Kalm earned her second straight shutout victory as the Spartans' netminder tallied 18 saves. Kalm now has 195 saves through seven games this season for a save percentage of .938 which is second best in the conference.

Women's ice hockey returns to Spartan Arena tomorrow, Saturday, November 23 as it looks to keep its winning streak alive. The Spartans will welcome in UMass Boston for a 1 p.m. NEHC matchup.