CASTLETON, Vt. – Vermont State University Castleton field hockey received their first loss at home against #10 Bates College Sunday afternoon, 4-3.
VTSU Castleton fell in a back and forth battle to Bates on Sunday.
Emily Harris notched two goals,
Amelia Wilson provided two assists and
Theresa Culpo tallied a goal in the loss.
Zoe Martin had a strong performance in the cage, providing 11 saves for the Spartans.
The first period was a defensive standoff between each team. Keeping the game scoreless through the first period. Bates' Lauren Salazar sent a line drive to the front of the net to find Kami Lambert, who snuck one right past Martin to open the scoring. Moments after the Bobcats goal, the Spartans would retaliate. Wilson's vision found an open Culpo across the net, who went on to capitalize the opportunity to tie the game. Martin bounced back after Lambert's goal, providing seven saves for the Spartans in the second quarter to keep the score 1-1 at the end of the first half.
To begin the 2nd half, Castleton won an early penalty corner opportunity. Wilson would go on to take the corner and set up Harris for her 36th goal of the season and to take a 2-1 lead over the Bobcats. Both offenses were limited for the remaining of the third, as the Spartans would head to the final quarter with the lead.
In just a little over a minute to begin the fourth, Bates' Sarah Bussell connected with Paige Cote to bring the game back to even score. The Bobcats offense continued the pressure and capitalized on another opportunity to take a 3-2 lead halfway through the fourth. Shortly after the Bobcats third goal, Harris turned on the jets, made her way pass multiple defenders and blasted one past the keeper to tie the game once again. This was Harris' 37th goal on the season. Bates shut down the momentum the Spartans had gained by keeping possession in the Spartan's defensive half. Maria Femia of the Bobcats blasted one towards the cage, where fellow teammate Ella Blum was able to track down and sink the ball back into the cage. Giving the Bobcats the lead once again and finalizing victory with just minutes to spare.
The Spartans will travel to Little East opponent Keene St. for their next game on Wednesday, October 18 for a 6:30 p.m. matchup.
