DARTMOUTH, Mass. – The Vermont State University Castleton field hockey team continued to roll in Little East Conference play, defeating the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth on the road Saturday afternoon, 4-0.
The Basics
• Final Score: VTSU Castleton 4, UMass Dartmouth 0
• Location: Cressy Field – Dartmouth, Mass.
• Records: Castleton 7-8 (3-2 LEC) | UMass Dartmouth 2-15 (0-5 LEC)
How It Happened
It took just 2:56 for Castleton to score its first goal of the day, as
Emilee Higgins capitalized on a penalty corner to make it 1-0 Spartans. The Green and White remained on offense for most of the opening quarter, eventually seeing
Caitlin Connolly net the first goal of her collegiate career in the closing minutes to push the squad's lead to 2-0. Connolly's goal was assisted by
Brooke Noble.
The second quarter played out much like the first, as Castleton added two more goals. The first came from Geneive Pitts, who beat the Corsairs' keeper one-on-one after receiving a feed from
Jess Smithson, who streaked up the field and through multiple defenders to make it 3-0. Smithson then found the back of the net herself, as
Madison Gile set her up across the circle on a penalty corner to make it 4-0 Castleton with more than half of the second quarter remaining.
The Spartans' defense held the hosts to just three shots in the first half—two on goal and one that was blocked.
Castleton kept its foot on the gas in the third quarter, firing off eight shots in a two-minute span. UMD recorded seven saves and one defensive stop during the stretch. The hosts were only able to put two shots on target, both of which
Zoe Martin turned away with ease to keep the shutout intact.
The fourth quarter was all Spartans once again, as they registered nine shots on goal to the Corsairs' zero, cruising to a 4-0 victory.
By the Numbers
• Higgins' early goal proved to be the game-winner. She now has two goals on the season.
• Smithson led the Spartans' offense with three points on one goal and one assist. The captain also recorded a team-best six shots on goal.
• Noble and Gile each finished the day with one point on assists.
• Martin earned her seventh win of the season and second shutout, making four saves.
• The Spartans outshot the Corsairs 37-8, including a 29-4 edge in shots on goal.
Up Next
Castleton will remain on the road as it travels to Keene State on Tuesday for its final LEC contest of the regular season. The game is slated for a 6:30 p.m. start.
