RUTLAND, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's ice hockey team closed its regular-season series with No. 12 Norwich University on Saturday afternoon, as the nationally ranked Cadets came away with a 6-0 victory at Spartan Arena.
The Basics
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Final Score: No. 12 Norwich 6, Castleton 0
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Location: Spartan Arena – Rutland, Vt.
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Records: Norwich 12-2-0 (8-0-0 LEC) | Castleton 7-8-0 (3-5-0 LEC)
How It Happened
The Cadets wasted little time grabbing control of the game, striking three times in the opening period to build an early cushion. Norwich had strong offensive zone pressure, forcing Castleton to defend for long stretches as the visitors carried a 3-0 advantage into the first intermission.
Castleton looked to settle in during the middle frame, generating a few offensive looks of its own, but Norwich continued to dictate play. The Spartans were able to allow just one goal in the second period, to trail 4-0 after 40 minutes of play.
Norwich kept its foot on the gas in the final stanza, adding two more goals to put the game out of reach. Despite continued effort from the Spartans, the Cadets' proved difficult to contain as the visitors secured the 6-0 decision.
By the Numbers
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Gianna McCusker weathered the relentless storm known as the Norwich offense, turning aside 48 shots.
• Entering the day 100 percent on the penalty kill, Castleton let up its first three power-play goals of the season (36-for-39).
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Maysa Ford and
Olivia Carter led the defensive corps with three blocks a piece, while the rest of the squad added eight.
Up Next
The Spartans will look to regroup as they head to Henniker, N.H., to take on the Pilgrims of New England College in a two-game series next weekend, January 16 -17, with game one set to start at 7 p.m.
