KEENE, N.H. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's ice hockey team closed out its regular season with a 2-1 overtime loss to Keene State on Saturday afternoon.

The Basics
• Final Score: Keene State 2, Castleton 1 (OT)
• Location: Keene Ice – Keene, N.H.
• Records: Keene State 9-14-0 (6-10-0 Little East Conference) | Castleton 11-14-0 (7-11-0 LEC)

How It Happened
Unlike the day before, Saturday's contest was a tightly contested affair. The opening period featured no scoring, as Keene's netminder made 11 saves, while Gianna McCusker turned aside nine shots for Castleton.

The middle stanza appeared to be headed for another scoreless frame, but Castleton finally broke through in the 17th minute. Brooke Noble found the back of the net, with assists from Maysa Ford and Annika Nelson, giving the Spartans a 1-0 lead heading into the third period.

Just over five minutes into the final frame, the Owls found the equalizer to tie the game at 1-1. Both teams pushed to pull ahead, with Castleton earning a power play in the final two minutes of regulation, but neither side could convert, sending the contest into overtime.

Castleton carried the offensive momentum early in the extra period, but momentum shifted when Meg Aiken was whistled for hooking at 3:12. The game appeared destined for a draw as the score remained knotted at 1-1 entering the final minute, but the hosts capitalized at 4:33 to secure the 2-1 victory.

By the Numbers
• Despite the loss, McCusker made 23 saves. Castleton's defense added 12 blocked shots, led by Olivia Carter with six.
• The Spartans were relentless offensively, firing 44 shots on goal, though Keene's netminder stopped 43. The Owls' defense played a major role as well, blocking 20 shots.
• Castleton held a slim 37-32 edge in faceoff wins, led by Mikayla Brightman with 14.

Up Next
Castleton has wrapped up its regular season schedule and will have a week off before learning its seeding for the first-ever Little East Conference women's hockey playoffs.