WENHAM, Mass. – The Castleton women's soccer team kicked off their three-game road trip with a game against Gordon College Wednesday afternoon, with the Stoc's second-half score serving as the difference-maker in a 1-0 loss for the Spartans.
 
Emma Ezzo and Alex Hutchins each played a half in net for Castleton, with Ezzo putting together 45 scoreless minutes before Hutchins racked up a career-best seven saves in the second half alone. The Spartans held a 7-3 advantage in shots at halftime before ending the game trailing 15-11 in the category, with Gordon also holding an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal.
 
Megan Ezzo got things going early for Castleton (3-9, 1-2 LEC), sending a shot just wide of the frame three minutes in before testing the Stocs' keeper with a rifle from outside the box at the 13:51 mark. Rylee Pepin got herself involved shortly after, forcing a pair of defensive blocks and a save in the 25^th minute.
 
Ashlee Meczywor and Emma Patrissi joined the action late in the half with a pair of shots in the 42^nd minute, but neither were able to find the back of the net, leaving the two sides level entering the break.
 
Gordon (6-2-2, 1-1-1 CCC) turned up the intensity to begin the second half, testing the newly-entered Hutchins, with a flurry of shots in the opening 15 minutes, but the sophomore denied all three that were on frame to keep it scoreless. The Spartans responded with a pair of shots from Alexis Billings, one of which was saved before the second careened wide off the post.
 
Finally, after Hutchins made her fifth save of the afternoon, the Stocs found paydirt on their sixth corner of the half to take the 1-0 lead. Castleton had one last chance in the final minute after earning a corner, but could not capitalize, with a clearance by Gordon sealing the 1-0 defeat.
 
The Spartans' next opportunity for a win comes Saturday, October 8 when they face off against Eastern Connecticut State in an LEC bout. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.