RUTLAND, Vt. – Vermont State University Castleton fell to No. 5 Middlebury College 3-1 on Tuesday.
 
VTSU Castleton went toe-to-toe No. 5 Middlebury at Spartan Arena Tuesday afternoon. The Spartans looked to get back into the win column, after falling to No. 12 Norwich over the weekend. With puck drop, The Panthers came out of the gate flying but Kirsten DiCicco was locked in, turning away all 15 shots in the first period to keep the game scoreless heading into the second the period.
 
The Spartans came out in the second matching the Panthers energy, generating offensive opportunities and slowing down Middlebury's play. Meg Aiken broke the seal by lighting the lamp with a solo goal to take the lead of the Panthers. Middlebury looked for answers but DiCicco continued to shut down all efforts the Panthers swung her way.
 
Castleton continued to hold their ground and disrupt the Panthers play. However, Middlebury found a way to break through in third and tied the game once again. The Panthers found their way and followed up with a second just seconds after their first to take a 2-1 lead. The Spartans fought back and made valiant efforts to send the game to overtime, but Middlebury would seal their fate with an empty net goal to conclude the game 3-1. DiCicco finished with a new season high of 39 saves and the Spartans held their own against the No. 5 team in the nation.
 
VTSU Castleton return to action next Tuesday, November 28 at 7 p.m. at Wesleyan University.