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BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Castleton State College scored four times after intermission to overcome a two-goal halftime deficit and top the University of New England, 5-4, in non-conference field hockey action Saturday afternoon (Sep. 14) at the Big Blue Turf.

The Spartans (2-2) had three unanswered goals in the initial 20 minutes of the 2nd half to grab a 4-3 edge. UNE (1-3) tied things up in the 61st minute, but just 47 seconds later, CSC regained the advantage for good.

Senior Hannah Tavella got UNE going early on in the contest, putting home a rebound with a little over five minutes gone. Then Castleton senior Madyson Martin brought things back even in the 17th minute.

Big Blue regained the cushion on back-to-back goals by senior Casey Clark in the 21st and 31st minutes, and maintained a 3-1 lead at halftime. The Nor'easters out-shot their opponents, 12-6, in the frame, while taking four of the five penalty corners.

Out of the break, the Spartans increased the pressure in the offensive end and got one back in the 43rd minute when senior Rachel Preusser converted a feed from classmate Shawna Pinsonault. Pinsonault then tied the game at 3-3 in the 48th minute.

Over the next few moments, both sides had chances to assume control. Castleton junior goalie Jessica Galatioto made a diving save to deny a deflection off the stick of Tavella. Right back on the other end, UNE sophomore netminder Molly Linscott fell into a split to stop a try by Preusser. Shortly after, Preusser found herself alone behind the Nor'easters defense, but Linscott stood her ground and turned another attempt away.

Still on the attack, it was Preusser that managed to put the visitors on top in the 56th minute. Senior Blake Wardwell assisted on the go-ahead goal.

With 9:08 left, Tavella notched her second marker of the match to level the score at 4-4. However, Martin responded almost immediately for Castleton with what would be the game's final tally.

UNE received a pair of penalty corners in the closing seconds of the period, but was not able to net an equalizer.

Galatioto finished with 12 saves for the Spartans, who posted a 14-11 margin in shots during the last 35 minutes. For the Nor'easters, Linscott ended with seven saves.

Big Blue opens up Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) play on Wednesday (4 p.m.) at Gordon College. Castleton is off for a week, resuming its schedule with a road trip to North Atlantic Conference (NAC) foe Lasell College on September 21.


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