PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's soccer team fell to Rhode Island College, 1-0, in the squads' Little East Conference opener Saturday afternoon.
VTSU Castleton (1-5, 0-1 LEC) outgunned its opposition in shots on goal 6-5, but could not break through with a score. Emma Ezzo knocked away four attempts by the Anchorwomen (3-1-1, 0-1 LEC) during her 90 minutes in net.
Following a host-led first half, the Spartan offense began to find traction with three on-target darts including a high-flying shot from Emma Patrissi that nearly got past RIC goalkeeper Chloe Angelone. In the second stanza, Lila Asselin delivered an on-goal attempt in the 67th minute which produced two corner kicks and a second shot by the Candia, N.H. native. Angelone kept the Spartans at bay with later saves against Alexis Billings and Maggie McKearin.
Marissa Ruzzano netted the game-winning score on a corner kick taken by Olivia Williams, heading a tally inside the left post to give RIC the 1-0 decision.
The Spartans compete closer to home next week with a visit to Middlebury on Wednesday, September 20. Kickoff at the Allan Dragone Track and Field Complex is at 4:30 p.m.
