NEWPORT, R.I. – Salve Regina University took game one against Vermont State University Castleton 4-1 Friday evening. The Seahawks improved to 7-2 in the New England Hockey Conference while the Spartans dropped to 2-6-1.

Salve's Samantha McKenzie put the Seahawks on the board first in just over four minutes of play. She followed up with a powerplay goal for her second of the game to give SRU a 2-0 lead.

Castleton was granted a powerplay early in the second period. Mikayla Brightman and Moa Carlsson set up Ellie Schliebener for her fourth goal of the season to get Castleton on the board and trail 2-1.

First-year Gianna McCusker took between the pipes for the third time this season. She provided 31 saves for a new career high against the Seahawks.

SRU went on to extend their lead with two additional goals in the second period to put them ahead at 4-1.

Castleton came out strong in the third looking for answers to get back into the game, but would be held scoreless and fall in game one to the Seahawks.

The two sides battle in game two tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Howard Rink.