CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's basketball team fell to Eastern Connecticut State University, 78-66, in Little East Conference action on Thursday afternoon.

Stasia Epler led the Spartans with 21 points, adding two rebounds, two steals, and two assists. Maggie McKearin was perfect from beyond the arc, going 2-for-2 from three-point range on her way to 12 points off the bench. LEC Rookie of the Week Emily Dingmon contributed a team-high nine rebounds and added 11 points, along with three assists and two key blocks.

The game started with Castleton leading 2-0, thanks to an opening basket from Arianna Coombs, but Eastern Connecticut quickly took control. The Warriors built a 24-16 lead by the end of the first quarter and maintained their advantage throughout the first half, leading 40-31 at the break.

Despite staying within striking distance, the Spartans struggled to close the gap in the third quarter, with Eastern Connecticut continuing to hold the lead.

In the final period, the teams traded three-pointers, with Epler and McKearin helping Castleton pull within 12 points at 58-46. Although the Spartans outscored the Warriors 26-23 in the fourth quarter, it was too little, too late, as Eastern Connecticut secured the 78-66 victory.

VTSU Castleton will return to action on Saturday, traveling to the University of Southern Maine for a 12 p.m. Little East Conference matchup.