CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's lacrosse team opened its 2025 slate in a back-and-forth affair with SUNY Canton on Saturday afternoon, eventually falling 12-8. The Frankenhoff brothers led Castleton as they accounted for seven of the team's eight goals.

The Basics
• Final Score: SUNY Canton 12, VTSU Castleton 8
• Location: Dave Wolk Stadium – Castleton, Vt.
• Records: Canton 1-1, Castleton 0-1

How it Happened
It took just 58 seconds for Castleton to record its first goal of the season as Carter Frankenhoff was able to pick up a ground ball off a saved Ethan Esposito shot before beating the Roos' keeper to go up 1-0. Castleton held an advantage for just over 1:30 before SUNY Canton was able to find the scoreboard to knot the game, 1-1. The visitors were able to capitalize on a Jonah Janaro penalty to gain the lead heading into the second quarter, 2-1.

The second period opened with a score by Canton to extend their lead to two before Cam Frankenhoff found the back of the goal with 3:24 remaining to cut the deficit to one, 3-2. With 10 seconds remaining in the half, Cam Frankenhoff netted his second goal of the season to tie it 3-3 at the break.

Castleton opened the second-half scoring as Carter Frankenhoff was able to corral his own rebound to beat Hayden Todd and make it 4-3 with 3:56 ticked off the clock. Canton scored just over a minute later as Caeden Goodnough beat the Spartan keeper once again to knot the game at 4-all. The teams continued to trade scores, seeing the game tied 5-5 and 6-6 before Jordan Damske scored his first of the season, assisted by Liam Evarts, to give Castleton a 7-6 lead heading into the final quarter. Castleton would start on a man-up advantage as the Roos were assessed a delay of game penalty as time expired.

Despite being unable to score on the man-up, Castleton would extend its lead to two as Carter Frankenhoff ripped one for his fourth goal of the game, 8-6 (13:25). Carrying the momentum from a faceoff won due to a violation, Canton pulled within one less than 45 seconds later. Despite the Spartans' best efforts, the visitors would put up three more goals to come away with a 12-8 victory.

Top Performers
Carter Frankenhoff led his team with four points on four goals, while his brother Cam Frankenhoff recorded a hat trick of his own.

Damske was the only other Spartan to record a goal. Evarts also recorded a point as he assisted on Damske's score; he also added two caused turnovers and two ground balls.

Gabe Rubio was tough on defense, causing five turnovers and grabbing three ground balls. Four other Spartans also caused turnovers.

In the crease, Zac Smith gathered 14 saves.

What's Next
Castleton will return to action on Wednesday as it plays host to the Pilgrims of New England College for a 4 p.m. faceoff.