PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Castleton women's soccer team continued its impressive start to Little East Conference play Saturday afternoon with a dominant 7-1 victory over Rhode Island College. 

Rylee Nichols highlighted the fantastic all-around performance with three goals and an assist. The senior forward now has 36 career goals, which is good for fourth in program history. It marked the second hat trick of her career. 

Krista Girroir gave Castleton (4-2-1, 2-0-0 LEC)  a fast start in the 11th minute with the first goal of her career. Nichols would then notch her first of the afternoon in the 18th minute with assists from Jamie Barrett and Julia Carone. 

Carone gave the Spartans a 3-0 lead shortly after in the 19th minute. It marked her second of the season and 20th of her career. 

Ashlee Meczywor rounded out the eventful half with the first goal of her career. Castleton entered halftime holding a 4-0 advantage, outshooting the Anchorwomen (1-8-0, 0-2-0 LEC) 8-7. Alex Benfatti made four saves to keep RIC off the board. 

The hosts broke through in the 54th minute, tallying the first goal of the second half. Nichols would complete her hat trick soon after. 

Off a pass from Erin Cammarota, Nichols found the back of the net for a second time in the 62nd minute. She struck again in the 70th minute, this time unassisted. Kaidin Gauthier brought the Spartans to seven goals in the 79th minute with a helper from Rylee Pepin. 

Seven goals marked the most for Castleton since September 23, 2017, when the team delivered nine at NVU-Lyndon. This offensive explosion led the Spartans to their second consecutive 2-0 start to LEC play. 

Benfatti, reigning LEC Goalkeeper of the Week made five saves, inching closer to 100 career saves - she's currently at 91. 

Castleton returns to action Wednesday, September 29 when it travels to Springfield College for a non-conference tilt.