RUTLAND, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's ice hockey team came up short against a SUNY Cortland squad currently receiving votes in both national polls (USCHO/DiiiHockey News), falling 3-1 Friday night at Spartan Arena.

The Basics

• Final Score: SUNY Cortland 3, VTSU Castleton 1
• Location: Spartan Arena – Rutland, Vt.
• Records: Cortland 4-4-1 | Castleton 4-6-0

How It Happened
Cortland came out flying from the opening puck drop, keeping Castleton hemmed in its defensive zone for much of the first period. The Red Dragons capitalized just three minutes in, picking off a Spartan pass and scoring unassisted to take the early lead.

Castleton held strong defensively as the period continued—Gianna McCusker made four saves and the Spartans blocked six shots—but Cortland doubled its advantage at the 16-minute mark, carrying a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.

The Spartans found more rhythm offensively in the second frame, generating nine shots on goal and holding Cortland scoreless despite six attempts from the visitors.

The Red Dragons made it 3-0 eight minutes into the third, prompting a Castleton timeout and a switch in net to Kara Boassaly.

Castleton pulled its goalie at 19:02 on a delayed penalty, officially assessed at 19:07 for interference. Opting to keep the extra skater for a 6-on-4 advantage, the Spartans broke through at 19:35 when Moa Carlsson buried a rebound off a Taylor Adams shot. Meg Aiken added the secondary assist as Castleton spoiled the shutout bid.

The Spartans pulled their goalie once more at 19:46 but couldn't strike again, ultimately falling 3-1.

By the Numbers

• With her goal, Carlsson pushed her team-leading total to six and now sits at 12 points on the season.
• Morgan Arscott contributed defensively with three blocked shots.
• McCusker made 20 saves over 48:40 of action, while Boassaly stopped three shots in relief.

Up Next
Castleton returns to action tomorrow at 3 p.m., hosting the Mustangs of SUNY Morrisville for the fifth annual Sock Toss contest.