KEENE, N.H. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's ice hockey team took down Keene State on the road Friday afternoon, 4-2, as Ellie Schliebener skated in her 100th career contest.
 
The Basics
• Final Score: Castleton 4, Keene State 2
• Location: Keene Ice – Keene, N.H.
• Records: Castleton 11-13-0 (7-10-0 LEC) | Keene State 8-14-0 (5-10-0 LEC)
 
How It Happened
Keene State won the opening faceoff and controlled possession early, sending five shots on goal, two blocked and three saved by Gianna McCusker to keep things scoreless. Castleton wasted little time setting up in the offensive zone as Maddy Jorgenson recorded her second collegiate goal, assisted by Angie Palmer and Meg Aiken, to make it 1-0 with 15 minutes remaining in the opening frame. The Spartans continued to press, forcing the Owls' netminder to make 12 saves, while Castleton blocked eight shots to escape the period trailing by just one.

The middle stanza played out much differently, as Castleton potted three more goals to take a 4-0 lead after 40 minutes.

After winning the faceoff to open the period, Taylor Adams extended the lead to two with an unassisted tally. The Spartans struck again on the power play following a tripping call. The goal was courtesy of Aiken, with helpers from Olivia Carter and Moa Carlsson. That score proved to be the eventual game-winner.

Castleton's final goal of the day came off the stick of Caris Erickson with three minutes remaining in the second period. Her goal was assisted by Amanda Vaughn and Maysa Ford.

The hosts denied the shutout with a goal at 3:33 of the third to cut the deficit to three. They added a power-play goal at 8:23 after Carter was called for slashing to pull within two, 4-2.

Keene State continued to push for a comeback, electing for a sixth skater at 18:33 and pulling its goalie. After 57 seconds of extra-attacker play, Castleton was able to put the comeback attempt to rest when the hosts were whistled for roughing with 30 seconds remaining. The Spartans secured the 4-2 victory.
 
By the Numbers
• Four different Spartans scored, while Aiken led the way with two points on a goal and an assist.
• Palmer's assist in the first period marked the first point of the rookie's career.
• In a relatively light day in goal, McCusker turned away 17 shots, aided by 12 blocks from her teammates.
• In a chippy contest, each team committed five penalties for 10 minutes, with both sides going 1-for-5 on the power play.
 
Up Next
The Spartans will remain in Keene, N.H., as they close out the regular season in a 2 p.m. matchup with the Owls.