CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's soccer team defeated Little East Conference opponent Plymouth State 1-0 on Saturday, improving to 3-2 in conference play.
 
Maggie McKearin netted her fifth game-winning goal of the year in the 85th minute to secure the victory for VTSU Castleton. The Proctor, Vt. native has scored in three of her last four contests and currently sits third in the conference with nine goals. Junior Emma Ezzo earned her fourth shutout of the season with a five-save performance in the win. Ezzo is tied for most shutouts and leads the LEC in saves with a new career high 100 through 14 games this season. 
 
Saturday's game was dedicated to Stroke Awareness as the women's soccer team is committed to spreading awareness and raising money for the American Stroke Association. 
 
The two teams matched up evenly as both sides limited the number of offensive attacks through the 90 minutes. Castleton's captain of the match Kristina O'Neil led the Spartans' defense with strong tackles and interceptions that frustrated the Panthers' offense. O'Neil also collected a defensive save to keep the Spartans level at zero in the 66th minute.
 
The Panthers outshot Castleton 6-4 on target but would be put away with Ezzo's efforts in the net. The West Haven, Vt. native turned away everything she faced, including an acrobatic save in the 78th minute to keep the Panthers scoreless.
 
With the final minutes ticking off the clock, Plymouth attempted to reset the play by starting in the backfield, McKearin was able to recognize the play and darted towards the defender, intercepting the ball for a one-on-one opportunity against the goalie. With Plymouth's defender approaching, McKearin rifled a shot that went over the keeper and into the back of the net to give Castleton the 1-0 victory.
 
VTSU Castleton returns to action on Saturday, October 19 for a LEC matchup against UMass Dartmouth on the road.