HARRISVILLE, R.I. -- After dropping two straight games last weekend in the Castleton Invitational, the Castleton University women's ice hockey team looked to get back on track Friday evening as it took on Nichols College in a non-conference matchup. The Spartans used two first period goals from Casey Traill and Nicolle Trivino as the team downed the Bison 3-0 at Levy Rink. With the win tonight, the Spartans break a two game losing skid and improve to 9-7-0 while the Bison fall to 2-9-2.

As the first period began, the Bison immediately put pressure on the Spartans' defense. The Bison planted 11 shots on goal during the period but goaltender Alexis Kalm kept the game scoreless as she corralled all the shots she faced. Kalm, who continues to dazzle as the Spartans' netminder, collected 35 saves in the win and earned her third shutout of the season.

As the Bison put on the pressure during the first period, the Spartans established some of their own as Traill broke the scoreless deadlock at the 18:01 mark of the period. Traill maneuvered her way through the Bison defense and tallied her sixth goal of the season. She continues to lead all Spartan defenders in goals and is tied with fellow defenseman Darby Palisi in points with seven.

The Spartans quickly added a second goal as Trivino gave the team a 2-0 lead 58 seconds later. After a Bison turnover near the red line, Courtney Gauthier skated up the ice and passed the puck off to Trivino. Trivino took and inital shot that was saved by goaltender Abby Bassett, Ali Stevens poked at the rebound and Trivino buried it to tally her fourth goal of the season.

No scoring occurred in the second period but both teams had their chances. The Bison rattled off 11 shots on goal while the Spartans put 10 shots on net but were unable to add to the lead.

The Spartans added to their lead in the third period as Maeghan Vasile solidified the win with her goal at the 12:54 mark. Palisi recieved a long pass from the Spartans' defenisve zone and took a shot on goal that was saved by Bassett. Vasile, who had not scored since the first game of the season against Oswego State, connected off of the rebound to score her second goal of the season. 

The Spartans are now 10-3-1 all-time against the Bison and with the win tonight, the Spartans currently hold a seven game winning streak with the last loss coming back in February of 2011 as the Bison defeated the Spartans 1-0 at Spartan Arena. 

Women's ice hockey returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, January 11 as it takes on Nichols College for another non-conference matchup starting at 4:40 p.m.