RUTLAND, Vt. – Vermont State University Castleton women's hockey defeated Johnson & Wales 2-0 Friday evening.
 
VTSU Castleton welcomed fellow NEHC opponent Johnson & Wales for their home opener Friday night. With the puck being dropped for the first time this season at Spartan Arena, Castleton got right to work. The Spartans worked the Wildcats defense early, generating multiple offensive attacks in the defensive zone. The work of the Spartans caused the Wildcats confusion, which awarded Castleton an early penalty.
 
After winning the draw, the Spartans cycled the puck well in the offensive attack. First year Taylor Adams found Meg Aiken along the boards. Aiken turned and made a slick pass to an open Emery Bonner, who finished the play and bagged her first goal of the season to get the Spartans on the board first.
 
After Bonners opening goal, the Wildcats picked up the pace of play. Stabilizing the defense and challenging Kirsten DiCicco, who denied all efforts. She made herself present in all periods, providing 23 saves and collecting her first shutout of the season. DiCicco's game gave the Spartans security, allowing them to continue playing the game at their pace of play.
 
Even at Castleton's lowest, they still managed to generate plays. After giving up a tripping penalty, Aiken won the face off in the defensive zone, sliding it back to Eva Hofmeister, who dumped it down the boards towards the blue line. Moa Carlsson was able to beat the defender take on the goalie, and finish the play with a shorthanded goal for the Spartans, to extend the lead to two and pick up their first win on the season.
 
The Spartans are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, November 3 at 3 p.m. As they take on UMass Boston at Spartan Arena.