RUTLAND, Vt. – The Castleton women's hockey team could not get much going in their matchup against No. 2 Middlebury Tuesday night, getting shutout for just the second time this season in a 2-0 loss to the Panthers.
 
The opening period was the Spartans' (5-3-0, 3-1-0 NEHC) best of the day, as the sides traded scoring opportunities for the majority of the frame. Despite some great looks from both teams, Middlebury's Caroline Silk and Castleton's Kirsten DiCicco did an excellent job of keeping the opposition out of the net, racking up four and 14 saves respectively to keep the score tied at zero entering first intermission.
 
The Panthers (3-0-0, 2-0-0 NESCAC) kept the pressure on to start the second period, but DiCicco and the Spartans' defenders were able to keep the game level 12 minutes in. Finally, at the 12:14 mark, the offensive onslaught from Middlebury became too much, and with the player advantage on a delayed penalty call, the Panthers found the back of the net to take the 1-0 lead.
 
Castleton did well to keep it a one-score game, killing what would turn into a brief 5-on-3 for Middlebury and entered the final frame down just one.
 
After a shaky start to the third period, the Panthers went on the power play once again and doubled their lead at the 7:34 mark. The Spartans would get a golden opportunity to respond, with consecutive penalties setting them up with a 5-on-3 for over a minute, but were unable to get a shot on net. Castleton pulled DiCicco with two minutes remaining in the game, but once again failed to create any opportunities, ending the game in a 2-0 defeat.
 
The Spartans' seven shots on net were their fewest of the season, while DiCicco's 45 saves were the second-most she has made in a game on the year.
 
Castleton will get a week off before getting back on the ice Friday, Dec. 3 in a conference matchup against No. 5 Elmira. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m.