NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Vermont State University Castleton softball team continued play at the Fastpitch Dreams Classic with a strong 7-2 victory over SUNY Polytechnic Institute on Sunday.

The Basics:

• Final Score: 7-2 Castleton
• Location: North Myrtle Beach, SC | North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex
• Records: 5-2 Castleton | 0-1 SUNY Poly

How it Happened:
The Spartans struck early, plating two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Castleton opened the frame with a walk before Madison Gould singled to right field to move the runner. Masson Billert reached on a fielder's choice to keep the pressure on, and Alex Brouillette delivered a hit that brought the first run across. Samera Rideout was then hit by a pitch to keep the inning alive, and Makayla Walsh doubled deep to right field to drive in another run and give the Spartans a 2-0 lead.

Castleton added to its advantage in the third inning when Rideout recorded a hit that helped bring another run home, extending the lead to 3-0.

SUNY Poly responded in the top of the fourth, capitalizing on a few Spartan defensive miscues to score two runs and cut the deficit to one. The Spartans quickly answered in the bottom half of the inning with a four-run rally fueled by timely hitting and capitalizing on opposing errors. Billert singled through the left side to start the momentum, and Brouillette later reached on an error by the third basemen, allowing a run to score. Abby Hacker delivered a key triple to right field that brought two runners home, giving Castleton breathing room. Singles from Jordan Hill and Makenzie Eliot helped keep the inning going as the Spartans built a 7-2 lead.

Both teams were held scoreless for the remainder of the game as Castleton's defense and pitching closed out the victory.

Top Performers:

• Hacker led the Spartans at the plate with two hits and two RBIs, highlighted by a difference-making triple. She finished the game with a .385 average.
• Brouillette contributed two RBIs and one hit while also delivering a dominant performance in the circle, pitching all seven innings and striking out 13 batters.

What's Next
Castleton will conclude play at the Fastpitch Dreams Classic with one final matchup against Arcadia University on Sunday afternoon.