RUTLAND, Vt. - Vermont State University Castleton women's hockey was defeated by No. 11 Norwich, 5-0 Friday evening. 

VTSU Castleton kicked off alumni weekend by hosting Norwich University Friday night. Castleton looked to upset the No. 11 team in the country with a victory over the NEHC opponent. The Cadets had other plans in mind and it showed with puck drop at Spartan Arena. Norwich came out hot in the first period. The Cadets cycled the puck well, connected on passes, and kept play in Castleton's defensive end. Victoria Bakopanos was the netminder for the Spartans and had a strong showing early in the game. She turned away multiple opportunities and kept the Spartans within reach for most of the game. 

The Cadet's eventually were able to put one past Bakopanos to end the first period with the lead. The second period started and the Cadet's picked up where they left off. Firing on all cylinders and bagging another goal to go up by two at the end of the second. The Spartans had chances to get back into the game, as they were granted three power plays in the contest but couldn't capitalize on any of the chances. Norwich would pull away from Castleton in the third with three more goals to end Castleton's evening. 

The Spartans are right back in action tomorrow at 3 p.m. against NEC at Spartans Arena to celebrate the team's 20th anniversary.