PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The Vermont State University Castleton opened its 2025 slate with a loss in the North Country at the hands of Plattsburgh State University, 25-11.

The Basics
• Final Score: Plattsburgh State 25, VTSU Castleton 11
• Location: Field House Complex – Plattsburgh, N.Y.
• Records: Plattsburgh 1-1 | Castleton 0-1

How it Happened
It took less than two minutes for the hosts to make the scoreboard as Leah Klotz found the back of the net, helped along by Maggie Maurer to put the Cardinals up 1-0. Renny Cota recorded the Spartans' first goal of the season unassisted 42 seconds later to tie the game, 1-1. Castleton was able to maintain its momentum and gain the lead 26 seconds later on the man-up opportunity as Phoebe Loomis recorded her first tally of the day on a free position shot to lead 2-1.

Plattsburgh answered with six goals to own a big 7-2 advantage with 3:39 remaining in the first quarter. It was Loomis on another man-up advantage that closed out the first with a Spartans' score, this time assisted by Courtney Magee, 7-3.

Plattsburgh extended its lead to open the second period on back-to-back goals in the 12th minute, 9-3. Castleton slowed the momentum as Brianna Paul recorded her first goal as a Spartan unassisted to bring her squad within four. Following two scores by the opposition, Paul was again able to break through the defense and put up a man-down score. The Brattleboro, Vt. native kept things rolling as she dished a pass to Loomis to complete a hat trick and bring Castleton within five, 11-6.

The Cardinals would go on a five-goal run that extended into the second half to own a 16-6 lead. The Spartans would outscore the hosts 4-1 in the next 11 minutes to make it 17-10 heading into the final stanza, goals coming from the sticks of Cota, Paul, Loomis, and Gianna Geraci.

Eight goals in favor helped to effectively seal the deal for Plattsburgh State, but the visitors did record the last tally of the contest as Loomis beat the Cardinal keeper for her fifth score of the day, 25-11.

Top Performers
Loomis was the highlight of the Spartans' offense with her five goals for five points. She added two ground balls, two caused turnovers, and two draw controls to her stat line.

Paul recorded her first hat trick in green and white while also adding a helper for four points. The transfer had a team-best three draw controls.

Appearing in crease was Katie Stager, who recorded nine saves and picked up two ground balls.

What's Next
Castleton will remain on the road as it travels to New England College on Saturday for a 1 p.m. matchup with the Pilgrims.