OSWEGO, N.Y. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's ice hockey team couldn't replicate Friday's win but battled No. 8 Oswego State to the final seconds in a thrilling 3-2 road loss Saturday afternoon.

The Basics
• Final Score: No. 8 Oswego 3, VTSU Castleton 2
• Location: Deborah F. Stanley Arena – Oswego, N.Y.
• Records: Oswego 1-1 | Castleton 1-1

How It Happened
The nationally ranked Lakers came out firing, testing goaltender Gianna McCusker with five shots in the opening six minutes. Castleton responded with pressure of its own, breaking through at 9:18 when Rainey Lay netted her first of the season, assisted by Mikayla Brightman. Despite sustained pressure, Oswego couldn't solve McCusker and entered the first intermission trailing 1-0.

Midway through the second period, Oswego finally evened the score at 1-1, setting up a tense final frame.

The Lakers took their first lead of the weekend with 5:20 remaining, but Castleton wasn't done. With McCusker pulled for the extra attacker, Moa Carlsson buried the equalizer with 40 seconds left in regulation, assisted by Taylor Adams and Maysa Ford.

Overtime seemed imminent, but Oswego struck again with just five seconds left to steal the win and hand Castleton its first loss of the season.

By the Numbers
• McCusker was stellar again, posting a career-high 43 saves.
• The Spartans blocked 11 shots, led by Lay's four.
• Lay finished with a goal and three shots.
• Carlsson now leads Castleton with three points on the season.

Up Next
The Spartans continue their road swing next week, visiting No. 15 Norwich University to open league play in the inaugural season of Little East Conference hockey.