RUTLAND, Vt. -- Late game heroics from Darby Palisi Friday afternoon saw the Castleton University women's ice hockey team skate to a 2-2 tie against New England College in a non-conference matchup at Spartan Arena.
 
In an eventful first period, the Pilgrims struck first as AK Fuentes scored the opening goal at the 6:25 mark of the first period. After a Katie Nealon tripping penalty, Fuentes was able to sneak one past goaltender Katlyn Hathaway, tallying her first goal of the season.
 
The Spartans responded quickly, leveling the score 56 seconds later. While on the attack, the Spartans tied the game at the 7:16 mark as a wrist shot from Emily Harris flew past Weir for her first-career collegiate goal. Palisi and Alex Johnson were awarded assists on the play as Johnson collected her first collegiate point.
 
Fuentes added to her score sheet as the Pilgrims regained the lead shortly after. Taking advantage of a Spartan turnover, Fuentes scored on her rebound at the 7:48 mark of the first period, giving the Pilgrims a 2-1 lead.
 
After a scoreless second period which saw the Spartans outshoot the Pilgrims 11-4, the Spartans finally leveled the scoring once again at the 12:31 mark of the third period. Palisi, in the right place at the right time, scored on a Harris rebound, tying the game at two. Palisi, who has been the primary goal scorer for the Spartans so far this season, has tallied her third goals in the past three games.
 
The Spartans finished the game, outshooting the Pilgrims 41-18 while Weir tallied 39 saves. Hathaway finished the games with 16 saves.
 
Women's ice hockey returns to action Saturday, February 20 as it travels to Henniker, N.H. to once again take on New England College in a non-conference contest. The puck drop is slated for 4 p.m.