KEENE, N.H. -- The Castleton University women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season, dropping a 2-1 Little East Conference (LEC) decision to Keene State Thursday evening at the Owl Athletic Complex.
 
The Spartans (2-1, 2-1 LEC) fell behind in the 29th minute of the first half as the Owls (2-0, 2-0 LEC) gained a 1-0 advantage on an own goal. After receiving a through ball from Maggie Vogt, Ashley Bates scored after sending a shot past a diving Loren Henderson that found the back of the net courtesy of a deflection off of Stephanie Burkhammer, who attempted to clear the ball.
 
The Spartans gained some momentum and struck back quickly in the 31st minute. Brytney Moore scored and tallied her first-career goal as she outpaced multiple defenders after a long pass was sent over the top to tie the game up at one apiece.
 
As the game remained knotted at one throughout the rest of the game, the Owls tallied the game-winning goal in the 86th minute of play as Bates found the back of the net for the second time. Bates regained the lead for the Owls as she easily slotted a shot past Henderson on a counterattacking goal after successfully defending a Spartan corner.
 
Henderson, who earned the start for the Spartans for the first time this season, played all 90 minutes and recorded seven saves, while her counterpart, Abigail Terrinca, earned the win for the Owls as she recorded nine saves.
 
Castleton returns to action Sunday, April 18, as it takes on Skidmore in a non-conference matchup starting at 1 p.m.