DARTMOUTH, Mass. – The Castleton softball team used a masterful performance by Olivia Joy in the circle to claim Game 2 and earn a doubleheader split in conference action at UMass Dartmouth Monday afternoon. After being blanked in Game 1, the Spartan bats came alive late in the finale to secure the win. 

UMass Dartmouth 1, Castleton 0
 
The Corsairs (6-11-1, 6-6 LEC) broke a scoreless tie with a fifth-inning double by Jill Richards, which led Dyonna Rodas to score the only run of the ballgame.
 
Machaila Arjavich and Miranda Fish both tallied hits, but the Spartans (14-10, 7-7 LEC) weren't able to put a run on the board against UMass Dartmouth's Richards. Game 1 featured two-time reigning LEC Pitcher of the Week Katie Gallagher in the circle for Castleton – she allowed just four hits and a lone run in five innings, but ultimately took the loss. Joy pitched the final inning and set the Corsairs down in order.
 
Castleton 4, UMass Dartmouth 1
 
Joy's dazzling performance in the circle, along with a sixth-inning rally pushed the Spartans to a split. Going into the sixth, Joy had faced the minimum 15 batters, allowing just one hit in the first five frames. UMass Dartmouth would eventually get on the board in the seventh, but the sophomore left a pair of Corsairs stranded to put the finishing touches on the gem.
 
Going toe-to-toe with Joy in the pitcher's duel was Kaitlyn Shirshac, who held the Spartans scoreless until the sixth inning.
 
Makenna Thorne led off with a double and was moved to third by Kate LaPan's bunt. She would then score as Jamie Boyle reached on a fielding error. Arjavich followed with a double to put runners on second and third. Taking advantage of Corsair mistakes, Boyle scored as Mosher was the beneficiary of another error. Allison Almond capped the inning with a two-run single to give Castleton a late 4-0 advantage.
 
UMass Dartmouth threatened in the home half of the seventh, stringing together a few hits, but Joy would limit the damage to one run and secure the victory.
 
Game 2 marked the fifth complete game of the year for Joy as she improved to 4-4 in the circle. She previously had a nine-inning effort to lead Castleton to a season-opening win at UMass Dartmouth on March 21. 
 
Castleton spread the wealth offensively with five different batters registering a hit. Almond, who reached double-digit RBIs for her rookie campaign, led the way with two runs driven in.
 
The Spartans are scheduled take on Northern Vermont-Johnson in nonconference action on Wednesday. First pitch at Spartan Field is slotted for 3:30 p.m.