PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's lacrosse team secured its first Little East Conference victory in thrilling fashion Saturday afternoon, staging a late comeback to defeat Rhode Island College 14-13 on the road. 

The Basics 

• Final Score: VTSU Castleton 14, Rhode Island College 13 

• Location: Alumni Field – Providence, R.I. 

• Records: Castleton 3-10 (1-4 LEC) | Rhode Island College 1-7 (0-4 LEC) 

How It Happened 
After falling behind 13-11 with under eight minutes remaining, Castleton stormed back with three unanswered goals, two from junior Phoebe Loomis and the eventual game-winner from Megan Ward with 32 seconds on the clock, to complete the comeback. 

Loomis paced the Spartans with four goals and two assists, bringing her season total to 22 goals. Ward recorded a hat trick, including a pair of free-position tallies, while Gianna Geraci and Brianna Paul each tallied two goals and multiple assists. Geraci now has nine goals and four assists on the year, while Paul continues her standout season with 23 goals and six assists. 

Defensively, the Spartans stood tall in key moments to seal the win. Senior Katie Stager made seven saves on 20 shots on goal, including two crucial stops in the final quarter to help preserve the one-goal lead. Stager also helped Castleton go 13-for-19 on clear attempts, anchoring a defense that forced 10 caused turnovers on the day. 

Ward led the team with four caused turnovers and six ground balls, while Paul contributed on both ends with four ground balls and three draw controls. The Spartans finished with 27 ground balls as a team and navigated 12 total minutes of penalty time with a strong collective defensive effort. 

What's Next 
VTSU Castleton remains on the road as it travels to UMass Boston on Wednesday, April 16. Opening draw is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.