PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's basketball team fell in the opening contest of the Cardinal Classic to hosts Plattsburgh State on Friday, 52-45. Junior Maggie McKearin recorded her first career double-double in the loss.

The opening quarter started in favor of the hosts as the opened a quick 3-2 lead. A seven-point run by the Spartans helped along by treys by McKearin and Schuylar Nolan along with an Emily Dingmon free throw helped them to trail 15-10 after the first period of play.

The squads traded blows to open the second quarter, finally seeing VTSU Castleton tie it up, 19-19 on a layup by Arianna Coombs. They took the lead just 32 seconds later off a Dingmon jumper to make it 21-19.

Despite two lead changes, the Spartans were able to own a 32-29 advantage heading into the break.

The third started with a seven-point run in the wrong direction as Plattsburgh was able to gain a 36-34 lead with 3:34 remaining on the clock. The run finally came to an end as Stasia Epler recorded a layup to knot the game at 36-all. A layup by McKearin and a pair of free throws by Dingmon put the green up 40-36 heading into the final stanza.

A slow start to the final 10 minutes, the Cardinals finally scored at 8:22 to kickoff a nine-point run to lead 45-40.

Despite trading several buckets, the Spartans were unable to overcome the deficit, falling 52-45.

McKearin was strong on both sides of the court, scoring 10 points and going up for 10 boards (2 offensive, 8 defensive) for the first double-double of her career.

Close behind was Dingmon, a first year, who recorded nine points and nine rebounds.

Also strong off the boards was Emily Adams who grabbed nine rebounds.

There were five Spartans who posted blocks and five who recorded steals.

VTSU Castleton looks to return to the win column as it finishes up the Cardinal Classic, taking on SUNY Potsdam in a 1 p.m. contest on Saturday.