WATERVILLE, Maine – The Vermont State University Castleton men's lacrosse team stumbled against Thomas College on Saturday evening, despite a strong start, 16-13. 

The Basics
• Final Score: Thomas College 16, Castleton 13
• Location: Seaverns Field (Colby College) – Waterville, Maine
• Records: Thomas 1-1 | Castleton 1-2
 
How It Happened
The opening quarter was a high-scoring affair, with 11 combined goals between the two teams. After trailing 2-0 early, Castleton strung together a trio of goals to take a 3-2 lead, as Carter Frankenhoff, Jordan Damske and Matt Gregoire (Preston Kozlowski assist) each found the back of the net. Thomas responded to regain the advantage, but Cole Bowditch scored in his first collegiate contest to pull the Spartans within one, 6-5, at the end of the first quarter.
 
The Spartans outscored the Terriers 3-2 in the second stanza to knot the score at 8-8 by halftime. Bowditch added two more tallies to complete his first career hat trick, while Frankenhoff added another goal to his total.
 
Castleton opened the second half with a Gregoire goal to take a 9-8 lead before Thomas evened the score at 9-9. Bowditch answered once again, putting the Spartans back in front, 10-9. The Terriers, however, responded with a four-goal run to carry a 13-10 advantage into the final frame.
 
Thomas extended its lead to four goals with a score at the 12:47 mark of the fourth quarter. Bowditch once again halted the hosts' momentum with his fifth goal of the afternoon.
 
The two squads traded goals down the stretch, making it 16-12 with less than three minutes remaining. With three seconds left in the contest, Frankenhoff completed his hat trick, but Castleton ultimately fell, 16-13.
 
By the Numbers
• Bowditch impressed in his collegiate debut, netting a team-high five goals while tying for the team lead with three ground balls.
• Frankenhoff finished with three goals, while Damske and Gregoire added two apiece. Damske also recorded an assist for a three-point performance.
• Liam Evarts tallied three points on one goal and two assists.
• In goal, Finn Maniaci made 13 saves, while Mitch Chaves and Owen Bombardier each caused three turnovers on defense.
 
Up Next
Castleton opens its home schedule on Wednesday, March 4, hosting in-state rival Norwich University at 7 p.m.