HENNIKER, N.H. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's hockey team improved to 6-8-1 in the New England Hockey Conference with a 4-2 victory Friday night over New England College.  

The Spartans took the ice and dominated the first period, outshooting the Pilgrims 21-6. However, NEC took the first lead of the game with just under a minute left to play in the opening period.

Castleton started the second period with Rainey Lay and Alex Johnson setting up Rachel McNeil for her third goal on the year, tying the game at one apiece. McNeil provided a season-high six shots on target.

In just a couple of minutes, Megan Ward connected with Codi Bacon for her first goal this season to give Castleton their first lead of the game. Ward also tallied her first point of the season with the first-hand assist. 

Controlling the game in their favor, the Spartans extended their lead to three on the powerplay with Emery Bonner scoring a solo goal for her second of the year.

NEC's Olivia Lindberg who assisted on the Pilgrims' first goal, cut into Castleton's lead to end the second period 3-2.

Victoria Bakopanos took between the pipes for Castleton, making 13 stops and picking up her eighth win this season.

The Spartans' defense held NEC to only three shots in the final period and shut down their only powerplay of the game. 

Moa Carlsson lit the lamp for Castleton's last goal of the game halfway through the final period of play to secure the victory for the Spartans and extend their win streak to three games. Carlsson has now scored five goals in her last three outings on the ice. 

The two sides return to the ice tomorrow at 1 p.m.