RUTLAND, Vt. -- The Castleton University women's ice hockey team earned the weekend sweep as it ground out a narrow 1-0 victory over New England College Saturday afternoon at Spartan Arena.

The Spartans (5-4-1) put pressure on the Pilgrims (1-7-2) from the start of the opening puck drop but were unable to capitalize in the first period. In a scoreless period, the Spartans recorded 15 shots on goal while the Pilgrims were only able to register three. However, goaltender Hannah Podvey, earning her first start of the season, stopped shots that came her way to keep the Spartans off the scoreboard.

The Spartans were once again held scoreless during the second period of play. Goaltender Kirsten DiCicco, who faced little pressure from the Pilgrims, recorded six saves during the period and tallied 11 for the game, pushing her season total to 157.

The third period started similarly to the previous two periods of action until the Spartans finally broke the deadlock late in the period. Jenna Krikorian scored her first-career collegiate goal at the 14:24 mark of the period after forcing a turnover in front of the Pilgrims' net.

The Spartans would finish the game outshooting the Pilgrims, 32-1.

Castleton returns to action Friday, March 19, as it travels to Plymouth, N.H. to take on Plymouth State for the first time this season. The puck is scheduled to drop at 4 p.m.