TROY, N.Y. -- The Vermont State University Castleton women's basketball team dropped a 71-46 decision at Rensselaer Polytechnic University on Monday afternoon. 

Despite trailing 21-13 after 10 minutes, the Spartans outscored the hosting Engineers 15-12 in the second stanza. Emily Dingmon kicked off their second quarter scoring with her and-one to cut the deficit to eight points with 7:34 remaining in the half.

An 11-2 run in favor of Castleton helped them to trail by just two-points after a Natalie Royer three at 2:49 (24-26). Stasia Epler closed out the half with a three of her own to make it 33-28.

RPI went on a seven-point run to close out the third quarter to own a 13-point lead heading into the final quarter. 

Stanza four was heavy in favor of the hosts as they outscored the green and white 23-11 enroute to a 71-46 victory.

Leading her squad's offensive efforts was Epler with her 16 points. She also grabbed four rebounds during the process.

Dingmon collected her first double-double of the season as she went up for 16 boards and 13 points. Finding herself second in the rebounding category was Emily Adams as she recorded five offensive and five defensive rebounds. 

VTSU Castleton will kick off the New Year as it is set to play host to Clarkson University at 4 p.m. on Friday.