HENNIKER, N.H. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's hockey team secured back-to-back victories over New England College with a 4-2 win on Saturday afternoon, improving to 7-8-1 in New England Hockey Conference play. 

The Spartans wasted no time getting on the board, as Moa Carlsson found the back of the net off an assist from Alex Johnson just over five minutes into the first period. The goal continued Carlsson's red-hot stretch, bringing her total to seven goals and nine points over her last five games. Castleton doubled its lead before the intermission when Annika Nelson capitalized on a feed from Ellie Schliebener at the 11:56 mark. The Spartans controlled play throughout the opening frame, limiting NEC's offensive opportunities. 

The Pilgrims responded early in the second period, cutting the deficit to 2-1 when Angelina De Divitiis converted a setup from Sofia Gualtieri. Castleton answered just over a minute later, as Taylor Adams restored the two-goal lead with help from Codi Bacon at 6:29. The Spartans continued to dictate the pace, holding NEC to limited chances while maintaining offensive pressure. 

New England College once again clawed back early in the third, as Mae Lafferty scored an unassisted goal at 4:21 to make it a one-goal game. Castleton put the contest out of reach midway through the final frame when Caris Erickson lit the lamp off a pass from Brooke Noble at 9:23, securing the 4-2 victory. 

The Spartans' defensive unit held strong, successfully killing all three of NEC's power plays, including a crucial penalty in the final period. Goaltender Victoria Bakopanos continued her solid play between the pipes, backstopping Castleton to the win. 

With their latest victory, the Spartans improve to .500 on the season (11-11-1) and will return home for their annual Pink the Rink game against Elmira College on February 14 at 6 p.m.