WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – The Castleton women's soccer team traveled south for an LEC bout against Eastern Connecticut State Saturday afternoon, capitalizing on a late equalizer to earn a crucial point in a 1-1 draw against the Warriors.
 
After being held without a score in their last three games, the Spartans (3-9-1, 1-2-1 LEC) came out hungry in their matchup against EastConn, getting off three good looks in the game's first 12 minutes. A defensive stalemate settled between the sides, with neither side able to even get a shot off over the ensuing 30 minutes.
 
Finally, taking advantage of a turnover in Castleton's half, the Warriors (4-4-3, 2-2-1 LEC) sent a ball into the box that was tapped home to give them the 1-0 lead heading into the break.
 
EastConn opened the second half looking to double their lead, but goalkeeper Alex Benfatti did well to keep it a one-score game. The senior looked strong in net all afternoon for the Spartans, racking up seven saves to bring her season total up to 74, ranking her second in the LEC.
 
Castleton continued to battle against a stout EastConn defense before finally breaking through in the 82^nd minute to tie the game. Rachel Medina sent a ball into the box that was cleared out by the Warriors' backline, but finding herself in perfect position to send the ball back in was Rylee Pepin. The sophomore wasted no time, one-timing the ball to the far post where Alexis Billings waited to head the ball beautifully over EastConn's goalie and in.
 
The score and assist were Billings and Pepins' fourth and third respectively, both of which pace the team with five games left in the regular season.
 
The Warriors attempted to pull ahead once again with time winding down, but Benfatti was there to deny EastConn's two chances to solidify the tie for her team, earning Castleton a vital point in LEC-play as the playoffs approach.
 
Next up for the Spartans is a trip to New Hampshire to take on Keene State Wednesday, October 12 with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m.