CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's basketball team returned to its winning ways on Saturday afternoon, taking down Clarkson University in the first meeting between the pair, 44-35.

The lead changed four times in the opening 10 minutes of the contest before seeing the visiting Golden Knights outscore the Spartans 8-4 in the last four minutes to build a 15-11 lead.

VTSU Castleton put up nine straight points in the second to go up 20-15 (1:35). Emily Dingmon led her team through the quarter with five points and eight rebounds while Emily Adams and Stasia Epler each pitched in a bucket of their own.

The score was tied three times in the third quarter, even seeing the visitors up 23-21 in the early goings. The Spartans were unfazed by the Golden Knights, putting up five unanswered to end the quarter. Arianna Coombs led this charge with three points on three made free throws.

Stanza four was all Castleton as it was able to grow its lead to nine and secure its fourth home-court win of the season, now 4-1 when playing in Glenbrook Gym.

Dingmon recorded her second double-double of the season as she led her team off the boards with 17 (12 defensive, five offensive), paired with 10 points. The first year also led her team in steals with three.

Epler was the leading scorer with her 14 points as she went 4-for-4 from the charity stripe and 5-for-16 from the field.

Strongest off the bench was Coombs with her seven points and five rebounds in just 13 minutes played. She also recorded one of the team's two blocks on the day.

The Spartans will return to Little East Conference action on Wednesday as they travel to Keene State for a 4 p.m. tipoff.