RUTLAND, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's hockey team fell short to Norwich University 2-0 on Saturday. The Cadets improved to 7-1 in the New England Hockey Conference, while the Spartans dropped to 2-5-1. 

After a two-assist game in game one, Norwich's Sophie Zemianek recorded a goal deep from the top of the blue line that sought its way through the traffic in front of the goal to hit the back of the net to give Norwich a 1-0 lead in the opening period. 

Victoria Bakopanos played yet another sensational game between the pipes, providing 38 saves including an 18-save second-period shutout to keep the Spartans within one heading into the third period. Emery Bonner led a strong defensive unit in Saturday's game, breaking up multiple chances and not allowing the Cadets to get into a rhythm in Castleton's defensive zone.

Norwich were granted a powerplay halfway through the third period and were able to extend their lead to 2-0. Castleton had a powerplay of their own late in the third with Meg Aiken and Moa Carlsson each coming close to netting their own but were denied by Leocadia Clark. The Cadets could hang to their lead and take both games from Castleton this weekend.

VTSU Castleton returns to action Friday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m. against NEHC opponent Salve Regina on the road.