CASTLETON, Vt. – The Castleton women's soccer team took on nationally-ranked Middlebury College in front of the home fans Wednesday night, battling for 90 minutes before eventually falling 1-0 to the Panthers.
 
It was the Spartans (2-6, 0-1 LEC) creating the first chance just under two minutes into the contest. Riley Pepin found herself with the ball 25 yards out and sent a liner toward the net only for it to ricochet off the crossbar, keeping it a level game. A second chance arose 10 minutes later when from even further out, Lauren Fotter launched a shot that was headed for the top corner, but it was tapped over the goal by Middlebury's (5-1, 1-1 NESCAC) Livia Davidson.
 
From there the pace of play was dictated by the Panthers, as they racked up nine shots and eight corners over the next 22 minutes, but all were turned aside by Alex Benfatti, who saved eight of the nine shots she faced on the night, including several highlight-reel saves.
 
But finally, on their 13^th shot of the half, Olivia O'Reilly volleyed a shot from outside the box that snuck over Benfatti and in to break the tie and send Middlebury into the break up 1-0.
 
Castleton opened the second half hungry, and earned a chance to level the game at the 55:32 mark after Brytney Moore drew a penalty kick. Lining up for the PK, Alexis Billings sent a ground ball toward the goal, but it bounced off the post and out, denying the Spartans once again of a score.
 
Much of the remaining half was spent on Castletons' side, until with two minutes left, Emma Patrissi made an excellent move and found herself on the breakaway, only to have her attempted cross saved by Middlebury's keeper. After one last effort, the final whistle blew, handing the Spartans the loss despite an excellent effort.
 
Castleton will look to get back on track Saturday, September 24 when they host Rhode Island College in a conference showdown, with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m.