CASTLETON, Vt. -- The Castleton University women's soccer team used two second-half goals to surge past Plymouth State, 2-1 Wednesday evening at Dave Wolk Stadium.
 
Both team's defenses held strong throughout the first few minutes of the first half as neither team could create many scoring opportunities. However, the Panthers (1-1, 1-1 LEC) struck first in the 32nd minute of the first half as Jackie Dizney scored the opening goal. After a mass substitution from the Panthers, Dizney took advantage of a Spartan turnover and scored easily past goaltender Alex Benfatti to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead.
 
As the Panthers led the majority of the first half, the Spartans (2-0, 2-0 LEC) leveled the scoring just three minutes into the second half. Rylee Nichols tied the game at one after creating space in the Panthers' half and ripped a shot past a diving goaltender Elena Register from about 20 yards out. After tonight's performance, Nichols now leads the team in points so far this season with three while also tallying her 73rd career point.
 
The game was not tied for very long as Jamie Barrett scored the game-winning goal in the 55th minute. The Spartans were able to force a turnover near the Panther's 18-yard box and Julia Blanchard received the ball from Julia Carone. After Blanchard's initial shot was deflected wide, Barrett trailed the play easily scored with a one-time shot past Register to give the Spartans a 2-1 lead.
 
Benfatti earned her second straight win for the Spartans as she only allowed one goal while tallying three saves. Cat Robbins, who started the game for the Panthers in goal, recorded five saves while Register took the loss, giving up two goals and tallying four saves.
 
Castleton returns to action Thursday, April 15, as it travels to Keene, N.H. to take on Keene State in a Little East Conference matchup starting at 6 p.m.