CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton field hockey team started its 2025 slate with a hard-fought battle against Union College under the lights of Dave Wolk Stadium on Friday evening, falling by a score of 2-1.
The Basics
• Final Score: Union 2, VTSU Castleton 1
• Location: Dave Wolk Stadium – Castleton, Vt.
• Records: Union 1-0 | VTSU Castleton 0-1
How It Happened
The first quarter was an eventful one, and Union was firing on all cylinders as they recorded their first shot of the game just over 60 seconds in—a shot that Castleton keeper
Zoe Martin was able to deflect to keep the game scoreless. After 12 minutes of action, the game came to a halt due to a lightning delay that sent both teams seeking cover to wait out the 40-minute stoppage.
The game resumed on a penalty corner for the Garnet Chargers, one that saw the Spartans' first defensive save of the season, courtesy of
Jess Smithson. Her efforts helped keep the score knotted at zero heading into the second stanza.
Castleton was able to mount offensive pressure of its own in the second quarter, quickly recording two shots on goal on consecutive penalty corners. Momentum continued to shift throughout the period before the visitors broke the scoring freeze with a tally as time expired in the half, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
Union carried its pressure into the second half, forcing the hosts to make three massive saves in the first 45 seconds. It took six more minutes before the Garnet Chargers added another goal, this time off a penalty corner. They held onto their two-goal lead heading into the final 15 minutes of play.
The Spartans recorded their first goal of the season with 12 minutes remaining in the contest after capitalizing on a penalty corner. It was
Gwyn Vincent who notched the tally, after a Smithson rebound found its way onto her stick in a crowded circle. This would be Castleton's final shot on target, as the contest ended 2-1 in favor of the Garnet Chargers.
By the Numbers
• Martin was strong in the cage, turning away an impressive 21 shots.
• Smithson led the team in shots on goal with three. She also had the only defensive save of the contest.
• Vincent is the only Spartan with points this season after collecting two for her tally.
• Union edged out Castleton in penalty corners, 11-9.
What's Next
The Spartans will return to action on Tuesday as they hit the road to face No. 1-ranked Middlebury College, scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. start time.
