CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's basketball fell in a hard-fought Little East Conference matchup to Plymouth State University at Glenbrook Gymnasium on Wednesday evening, 72-65.

The Spartans led for most of the opening quarter, but the visitors pulled within one point (9-8) after a pair of made free throws by Ashley Stephens with 34 seconds remaining. Castleton wasted no time responding, as Stasia Epler drove down the court and drained a three-pointer to give the Spartans a 12-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Plymouth State outscored Castleton 21-15 in the second quarter, taking a 29-27 lead with one second remaining in the half when Stephens converted a layup.
The Panthers opened the second half on an 8-0 run, extending their lead to 37-27 with 7:46 remaining in the third quarter. Maggie McKearin halted their momentum with a three-pointer at 7:34 to cut the deficit to 37-30. Both teams traded baskets throughout the quarter, with Arianna Coombs closing the frame with a pair of free throws and a layup to bring Castleton within four, 47-43.

Coombs opened the final quarter by going 1-of-2 from the free-throw line, cutting the deficit to three. Emily Adams capitalized on the momentum, knocking down a three-pointer off a feed from Schuylar Nolan at 8:27 to tie the game at 47-47. Despite Castleton's best efforts to keep pace, Plymouth State outscored the Spartans 25-18 in the final period, securing their first conference victory of the season.

McKearin led Castleton's efforts on both ends of the floor, posting a career-best 22 points, along with nine rebounds and two steals, while shooting 7-of-14 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Adams added 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds, and Coombs contributed 13 points and seven boards.

Castleton forced 17 turnovers and recorded seven steals in the loss.

The Spartans return to action on Saturday at 3 p.m., traveling to Eastern Connecticut State University for another LEC showdown.