Falcons Defeated By Spartans, 6-2

DeHorsey and Miller net goals for Falcons in non-conference setback

Castleton, Vt. – The Fitchburg State University field hockey team dropped a 6-2 decision to the Spartans of Castleton University this evening in non-conference action at Spartan Stadium.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 2, Castleton 6

Records: Fitchburg State (8-7) | Castleton (9-8)

How It Happened

Castleton took the lead just two minutes into the contest as senior forward Emily Lowell (Brandon, Vt.) struck for her team-leading 13th tally on the year off an assist classmate Rachel Holland (Bennington, Vt.) for the 1-0 advantage.

Fitchburg State knotted the score (1-1) roughly 40 seconds later when sophomore forward Aislinn DeHorsey (Leominster, Mass.) received a pass from junior Molly Richard (Leominster, Mass.) and deposited  shot into the back of the cage for her team-best tenth marker of the year.

The Spartans regained the lead at the 32:47 mark as junior Sarah Wells (Bellows Falls, Vt.) potted her sixth tally of the 2017 campaign for the 2-1 edge going into the break.

Following intermission, Castleton extended its margin in the 43rd minute of play when senior Mariah Linnett (Greenwich, Vt.) found the back of cage for her third tally on the year to make the score 3-1.

The Falcons responded minutes later (3-2) as senior Bailey Miller (Leominster, Mass.) settled a feed from classmate Casey Noonan (Feeding Hills, Mass.) for her sixth score of the season. The Spartans put the game out of reach however, capping the scoring at the 63:39 mark when freshman Casey Traill (South Shields, England) connected on her eighth goal of the season, resulting in the 6-2 final.

Inside the Numbers

Just the second meeting between two schools in field hockey with Falcons 1-1-0 all-time when taking on the Spartans.

Fitchburg State won the first ever meeting against Castleton, 3-1 last season at Elliot Field.

Sophomore goaltender Rhiannon Fletcher (Royalston, Mass.) turned aside eight second half shots for the Falcons, while sophomore Tashia Pashby-Rockwood (Williston, Vt.) made one save for the Spartans in the complete game effort.

Castleton held a 23-8 margin in shots, while also finishing with a 15-4 edge in penalty corners.

Up Next

Falcons will travel to Salem State on Saturday to take on the Vikings for a contest starting at 12 p.m. The Spartans will visit New England College on the same day for a 6 p.m. start.