MIDDLEBURY, Vt. - The Castleton women's soccer team fell 2-0 at Tuesday afternoon at Middlebury, who recently ranked 22nd in the United Soccer Coaches national poll. 

Reigning Little East Conference Goalkeeper of the Week Alex Benfatti made nine saves, nearly tying her season-high, but wasn't able to keep the Panthers (5-1-0) off the board in the opening minute. The hosts struck first just 21 seconds into the contest. The Spartans' (3-2-1, 1-0-0 LEC) back line tightened to minimize Middlebury's offensive output for the remainder of the half as the intrastate opponents entered the break at 1-0. Holly Cudmore attempted Castleton's only shot on goal in the half. 

Looking to erase the deficit early in the second half, Kaidin Gauthier attempted consecutive shots on goal, but Panther goalkeeper Sydney Poppinga was there for both. Middlebury doubled the lead in the 73rd minute shortly after a corner kick. 

Middlebury claimed an 11-4 shots-on-goal advantage, with the majority of Castleton's shots coming from Gauthier. 

The Spartans return to LEC play Saturday, September 25 when they travel to Rhode Island College for a 1 p.m. kick-off.