CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton field hockey team took down Little East opponent Eastern Connecticut 6-2 Friday night.
 
The Spartans were the first on the board, following a huge defensive save from Jess Smithson. Emily Downing converted on a penalty corner after Peyton Richardson's shot was blocked. With 14 seconds left in the first quarter, Smithson found the back of the net to put the Spartans up 2-0. The second quarter began with three penalty corner chances for the Spartans that were not converted before the Warriors earned a penalty corner down at the other end and converted for their first goal of the day. The Spartans could not be stopped on the offensive end with Amelia Wilson finding the back of the cage with three minutes left in the half to put the Spartans up 3-1.
 
The Spartans scored first in the second half with Arianna Spiezio scoring her third goal of the season, before Downing would find the back of the cage again to put the Spartans up 5-1. The Warriors offense could not get past the Spartans defense, with Smithson stopping her second goal of the night for another defensive save. The Warrior's final goal of the night came with four minutes left in the third quarter.
 
The Spartans opened the fourth quarter with two penalty corner chances, with Emilee Higgins converting on the second one from Wilson. Wilson finished the night with three assists and one goal. The Warrior's final chance to score came with six minutes left in the game but was stopped by Zoe Martin, for her fourth and final save of the night.
 
The Spartans are back at Dave Wolk Stadium on Tuesday, October 22 hosting Little East opponent Keene State at 7 p.m.