Castleton

Spartans

SIMSBURY, Conn. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's ice hockey team opened its seaosn with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over Saint Joseph (Conn.) Friday evening in the Blue Jays' inaugural season. 
 
The Basics
• Final Score: VTSU Castleton 3, Saint Joseph 2
• Location: Simsbury, Conn. | International Skating Center of Connecticut
• Records: VTSU Castleton 1-0 | Saint Joseph 0-1 

How It Happened
Saint Joseph struck first on the power play after Madeleine Corrigan was sent to the box for hooking. The Blue Jays worked through three saves before finding the back of the net on their fourth shot to take a 1-0 lead. The Spartans answered just 30 seconds later as transfer Emma Dedobbelaer found Melanie Decock to even the score at one. Decock capitalized on a loose puck in front of the net to get the Spartans on the board with her first career goal in green and white. Castleton carried the momentum through the remainder of the period, outshooting the Blue Jays 11-4 to head into the second tied. 

The Spartans earned a power play opportunity in the second period, recording five shots during the advantage but were unable to take the lead. Both teams continued to trade chances throughout the period, but Saint Joseph broke the tie late in the frame to take a 2-1 advantage into the third. 

Castleton continued to battle in the final period and found the equalizer with about 10 minutes remaining. The Spartans forced a turnover off the forecheck and maintained possession before first year Alicia Perron carried the puck in and sent a shot over the goaltender's shoulder to tie the game at two. The goal marked Perron's first career tally and sent the game into overtime.  

In the extra period, Amanda Vaughn drew a hooking penalty to give the Spartans a power play opportunity. Taylor Adams sent the puck over to Paityn Berry in front of the net, where Berry put home the rebound to seal the 3-2 overtime victory. The game-winner marked Berry's first career goal. 

By the Numbers

• Gianna McCusker made eight saves in net for the Spartans. 
• Maddy Jorgenson led Castleton with six shots, followed by Mikayla Brightman with five. 
• Decock, Perron, and Berry each recorded their first career goals in green and white. 

 
Up Next
The Spartans return to Spartan Arena on Friday, November 6, hosting Western Connecticut State University for their home opener and annual White Out game, Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.