CASTLETON, Vt. - The Castleton women's soccer team earned a 2-1 victory over Keene State Wednesday evening at Dave Wolk Stadium thanks to two early tallies and a strong performance from goalkeeper Alex Benfatti. 

The Spartans (6-4-2, 3-1-1 LEC) wasted no time getting on the board as Rylee Nichols scored just 10 seconds after the opening kick-off. Bella Varisco made a long pass to Nichols, who raced to the well-placed ball and sent a shot just under the crossbar from 20 yards out. It marked Nichols' seventh of the season, which leads the team and ranks top-five in the Little East Conference. 

Chase Livesey extended Castleton's lead to 2-0 in the 29th minute with her first collegiate goal. Livesey collected a pass from Nichols and put a shot on target - Keene State's Abbie Terrinca got a hand on the ball, but wasn't able to corral it. Credited with the assist, Nichols registered her fourth multi-point game of the season. 

Benfatti impressed in the first half, making eight saves, including back-to-back stops in the 26th minute. She would finish the contest with 11 total. 

The Owls (5-8-1, 2-3-0 LEC) spoiled what would've been Benfatti's third consecutive shutout with a 77th minute tally by Alexa Skinner. It was the first goal allowed by Castleton in 276 minutes. 

Shots on goal were 12-6 in favor of Keene State. Nichols led the team with two. 

Next up for the Spartans is a trip to Plymouth State on Saturday, October 16. Kick-off for the LEC clash is set for 1 p.m.