RUTLAND, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's ice hockey team split its weekend series with fellow Little East Conference foe Plymouth State University, dropping a 3-2 decision on Senior Day Saturday afternoon.
The Basics
• Final Score: Plymouth State 3, Castleton 2
• Location: Spartan Arena – Rutland, Vt.
• Records: Plymouth State 9-10-0 (3-9-0 LEC) | Castleton 10-11-0 (6-8-0 LEC)
How It Happened
It took just 25 seconds for Castleton to be sent to the power play following a slashing call. The Spartans generated quality chances with the advantage, including a shot that rang off the post, but the Panthers' penalty kill held strong. Plymouth State converted shortly after returning to full strength, scoring 25 seconds later to take an early 1-0 lead.
Castleton answered at 8:18 of the opening frame as a delayed tripping penalty on Amanda Vaughn led to Maddy Jorgenson finding the puck in the crease for her first collegiate goal, knotting the contest at 1-1. The first period was tightly contested, with both teams posting identical totals in shots (8), saves (7), and blocked shots (5).
The Panthers wasted little time in the second period, striking early to regain a 2-1 advantage. Plymouth State maintained offensive pressure for much of the frame, but the Spartans broke through at 15:41. A battle along the defensive boards between Rainey Lay and a Panther resulted in a loose puck in the neutral zone, which Meg Aiken quickly corralled. Aiken raced down the ice and tucked the puck between the post and the goaltender's pad to even the score at 2-2.
With a second straight overtime appearance looming, Plymouth State pulled ahead once more, scoring in the fifth minute of the third period to take a 3-2 lead. Castleton pressed late, including pulling the goaltender for the final 1:23, but was unable to find the equalizer and fell by a 3-2 final.
By the Numbers
• Aiken tallied a goal in her final regular-season home game of her collegiate career, while Jorgenson recorded the first goal of her career.
• Senior Kara Boassaly stood strong in net, stopping 32 shots—one shy of her career best.
• Castleton totaled 20 blocked shots on the defensive end, led by Morgan Arscott with four.
Up Next
The Spartans hit the road February 7–8 for a two-game series at UMass Boston. Game one is scheduled for a 4 p.m. puck drop on Friday.
