ONEONTA, N.Y. – The Vermont State University Castleton field hockey team took part in an intense battle with SUNY Oneonta on Saturday afternoon, dueling to a 3-2 loss after playing through nearly two overtimes.

The Basics
• Final Score: Oneonta 3, VTSU Castleton 2 (2OT)
• Location: All College Field – Oneonta, N.Y.
• Records: Oneonta 3-1 | VTSU Castleton 0-3
 
How It Happened
The beginning of the contest was quiet, finally heating up in the 11th minute when Oneonta was able to take a strong shot off the penalty corner, directed onto the cage for a Peyton Richardson defensive save. Despite the Spartans' best efforts, the Red Dragons were not deterred, scoring just 16 seconds later for the first goal of the game.

It took just 68 seconds for Castleton to respond with a tally of their own, as Gwyn Vincent recorded her second of the season, helped along by Ava LaRoss, with two minutes remaining in the quarter.

Despite owning a 3-0 shot advantage in the second quarter, the contest remained tied 1-1 heading into halftime.

The lone score in the third stanza was owned by the Spartans, this time coming off the stick of Emilee Higgins, assisted by Vincent for her fifth point of the season. They owned a 2-1 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

With less than four minutes remaining in regulation, Oneonta found the back of the cage to tie the contest at 2-2. The Red Dragons were assessed a green card with 1:10 left on the clock. Despite the player-up advantage, the contest was sent into overtime tied 2-2.

One extra period proved not to be enough, as the game was sent into double overtime. The stalemate came to an end with just under six minutes remaining in the second overtime period, as host Oneonta was able to score on a penalty stroke, securing a 3-2 victory.
 
By the Numbers
• Vincent led the Spartan offense with three points on a goal and an assist. Higgins collected two points for her goal.
• Leading the back line of defense was Jess Smithson, with three defensive saves. Smithson also added four shots, two on goal.
• Richardson ended the contest with one defensive save and three shots on goal.
• In the cage, Zoe Martin made eight saves.
 
What's Next
Castleton looks forward to hosting Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for a 4 p.m. meeting on Wednesday, as it continues to search for its first victory of the season.