HENNIKER, N.H. -- Propelled by four different goal scorers, the Castleton University women's ice hockey team defeated New England College 4-1 Friday evening at Lee Clement Arena.
 
The Spartans (4-4-1) were tested early as the Pilgrims (1-6-2) were able to get off a few shots on goal in the first minute of play. Despite the early pressure from the Pilgrims, the Spartans took the early lead at the 2:04 mark of the first period. Samantha Lawler tallied her second goal of the season as she collected the puck near the far boards and swept a shot from an impossible angle that beat goaltender Cianna Weir, glove side.
 
Riley Nichols would double the Spartans' lead just over 10 minutes later as she tallied her third goal of the season. With the Spartans holding strong in the Pilgrims' zone, Nichols received a lay-off pass from Casey Traill and a wrist shot from the near boards over the right shoulder of Weir gave the Spartans a 2-0 lead.
 
The Pilgrims increased the pressure during the second period as the Spartans' lead was cut in half. While on the power play, Emily Lenzen got the Pilgrims on the board as she scored her third goal of the season at the 12:33 mark of the period. Lenzen received the puck from Cassandra Kelly just inside the blue line and sent a shot in that beat goaltender Kirsten DiCicco over her left shoulder.
 
The Spartans would extend the lead and solidify the win in the third period. With just under four minutes off the clock, Emily Harris tallied her team-leading fifth goal of the season as she tapped in a rebound off an initial shot from Nancy Benedict. The fourth and final goal for the Spartans came shortly after at the 8:55 mark of the period. While on the power play, Brooke Greenwood scored from the point as she tallied her second goal of the season.
 
DiCicco, starting her fifth game this season, put together a phenomenal performance as she stopped 23 of 24 shots she faced. Weir finished the game with 40 saves for the Pilgrims.
 
Castleton returns to action Saturday, March 13, as it takes on New England College at Spartan Arena with a puck drop slated for 2 p.m.