RUTLAND, Vt. -- Despite falling behind early, the Castleton University women's ice hockey team defeated Plymouth State 4-1 Saturday afternoon at Spartan Arena.
 
Before today's contest, the Spartans (6-5-1) honored its four senior members as Casey Traill, Ali Stevens, and Katlyn Hathaway all stepped onto the ice at Spartan Arena for one last time. Courtney Gauthier was also honored by the team despite missing the entire season due to injury.
 
The Panthers (3-4-1) put a damper on the celebration as the team scored to take the lead midway through the first period. Carsen Moffett tallied her second goal of the season, beating goaltender Hathaway backdoor after a nice entry pass by Addie Swanson.
 
The Spartans tied the game late in the first period as Julia Carpenter scored her first-career collegiate goal. After the conclusion of a Spartan powerplay, Carpenter was on the receiving end of a tipped initial shot from Miranda Wheeler which beat goaltender Olivia Petito, tying the game at one.
 
The lead would balloon to two as the Spartans scored just over two minutes into the second period. Darby Palisi recorded her fourth goal of the season and first since scoring against New England College on February 19. After receiving the puck near center ice, Palisi created a one-on-one scoring opportunity and buried the shot past Petito to give the Spartans a 2-1 advantage.
 
The Spartans scored once again in the second period, this time on the powerplay. The Spartans took advantage of a turnover as Palisi swept a pass in front of the Panthers' net and Emily Harris buried her team-leading sixth goal of the season at the 4:35 mark of the period.
 
A third period insurance goal from the Spartans would officially solidify the win as Nancy Benedict scored her first-career collegiate goal. After receiving the puck near the blue line from Alexandra Snow, a one-time shot from Benedict found its way through a crowd and into the back of the net.
 
Hathaway would earn the win and finish the game with 16 saves while only allowing one goal. Petito, in the losing effort, tallied 24 saves.
 
Castleton returns to action Friday, March 26, as it travels to Northfield, Vt. to take on Norwich for its final road game of the 2020-21 season. The puck is slated to drop at 6 p.m.