SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Vermont State University Castleton field hockey team fell to Union in the season opener on Saturday, 3-1.
 
Zoe Martin made four saves, with Peyton Richardson scoring the lone goal for the Spartans with an assist from Arianna Spiezio. 
 
The Spartans had a scoring opportunity late in the first quarter with rookie Gwyn Vincent taking a penalty corner. Union's first goal came four minutes into the second period with Bobbi Serino scoring her first goal of the season. Just before halftime, the Spartans answered with Richardson getting VTSU Castleton on the board. 
 
The second half opened with a shot from Emily Downing, which was saved by Sophie Brady. Union scored its second goal off of a penalty corner; Shaelyn Kelley assisted Maddie Greco for her first tally of the season. 
 
The last five minutes of play in the third period saw three scoring chances and two penalty corners for the Spartans, but they could not convert. With 12 minutes remaining in the game, Kelley scored her first goal of the season for Union, giving the Garnet Chargers a 3-1 lead. The final two minutes of the game saw the Spartans with more scoring opportunities taking three shots with two more penalty corners that could not be converted.
 
The Spartans will be back in action Tuesday, September 3 for their home opener against Middlebury at 7 p.m.