CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's lacrosse team traded early blows with one of the top teams in the Little East Conference on Friday night, but a strong second and third quarter by WestConn proved too much as the Spartans fell, 17-6, to close out their conference slate.  

The Basics 
• Final Score: WestConn 17, VTSU Castleton 6 
• Location: Dave Wolk Stadium – Castleton, Vt. 
• Records: WestConn 14-2 (7-1 LEC) | VTSU Castleton 5-12 (2-6 LEC) 

How It Happened 
Castleton came out firing in the first quarter, overcoming a quick 3-0 deficit with a run of their own. Renny Cota got the Spartans on the board with a man-up goal midway through the frame. Less than three minutes later, Megan Ward found the back of the net with a determined dodge from the top, and Brianna Paul capped off the quarter by burying an unassisted tally to tie the game, 3-3.

The Spartans' defense held firm through the final minutes of the quarter, and goalkeeper Katie Stager made several key stops to keep the game level heading into the second. 

Though WestConn found its rhythm and pulled away in the second and third quarters, Castleton's opening frame showed grit on both ends of the field. Paul led the team with three goals on the night, including another man-up finish in the third. Ward added her second goal early in the fourth, also on a player advantage. 

Stager made 12 saves between the pipes, facing a relentless Wolves' attack across all four quarters. 

What's Next 
The Spartans conclude their regular season at home on Sunday, April 27, as they host Maine Maritime Academy for Senior Day. Opening draw is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.