AMHERST, Mass – Vermont State University Castleton women's hockey was defeated by No. 3 Amherst Tuesday afternoon, 3-0.
 
VTSU Castleton traveled to Massachusetts for their first contest of the new year to take on No. 3 Amherst. This was Castleton's first game coming back after the holiday break. With puck drop at Orr Arena, the Spartans were in search for their first win of the new year. The first period was a slow start for each bench, as a total of six penalties were called among both teams. Each side went 0-3 on the power play to end the first period.
 
The Spartans tried generating momentum in the second period but couldn't connect on the plays they were looking for. Halfway into the second, the Spartans would tally on penalty, which allowed for the Mammoths to finally capitalize off the man up opportunity.
 
Kirsten DiCicco highlighted the game for the Spartans with a 44 saves performance. DiCicco held her ground well for most of the match. However, she would not be able to keep the mammoths off board in the third period. Amherst were granted another power play opportunity after the Spartans collected their fifth penalty of the game. The Mammoths made the most of their advantage and scored once again with the extra skater on the ice. Amherst would go on to score one more goal late in the third to shutout the Spartans 3-0.
 
VTSU Castleton will be back in action Friday, January 5 at 6 p.m. against No. 12 Elmira.