NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's ice hockey team dropped its first Little East Conference matchup to Norwich University on Friday afternoon, falling 5-0.

The Basics
• Final Score: Norwich University 5, VTSU Castleton 0
• Location: Kreitzberg Arena – Northfield, Vt.
• Records: Norwich 1-1-0 (1-0-0 LEC) | Castleton 1-2-0 (0-1-0 LEC)

How It Happened
The hosts wasted no time asserting dominance, outshooting Castleton 15-5 in the opening frame. In the 14th minute, Norwich finally converted on one of its many shots, scoring an unassisted tally to go up 1-0. Goaltender Gianna McCusker made several key saves down the stretch to keep it a one-goal game after one period.

Things got away from the Spartans in the middle stanza as the Cadets were able to pour in three goals. Castleton did all it could, only recording three shots on goal in the period, while its defense pitched in with four blocked shots.

Norwich added one final goal in the third period, scoring at 16:50 to seal the 5-0 victory.

By the Numbers
• McCusker weathered a very tough storm between the pipes, making a career-high 50 saves on 55 shots faced.
• Four Spartans recorded two blocks apiece: Gracie Hurlbut, Olivia Carter, Annika Nelson, and Morgan Arscott.
• Mikayla Brightman led her squad in the faceoff circle, going 13-for-24.

Up Next
The Spartans will make their home-ice debut tomorrow, Saturday, November 8, as they host the Pilgrims of New England College for a 1 p.m. LEC contest. There will also be a food drive benefiting the Rutland County Parent-Child Center, with fans who donate a non-perishable food item receiving free admission.