Castleton field hockey capped off homecoming weekend with a weeklong winning streak, improving to a 7-2 record. The Spartan team began its conference play, downing Lasell College by six. Most impressively, though, Castleton closed out the celebratory week with three shutouts. On Sunday, the Spartans put in three quick goals against Daniel Webster, two of which Trish Fellows scored. Castleton proceeded to do everything right on defense, and kept the ball out of their own net. The midfield play was anchored by Molly Fraher, playing a stupendous back and forth game. Trish Watson and Heather Brock also played a tight defense during the week.

“We have high expectations for this season. We have a lot of hard teams ahead of us, but it will be a good test for the postseason,” said Brock.

The Spartans led by four at the half, and continued their dominance during the second half of play. All three goalies on the roster were able to make it into play, as well as some unfamiliar faces. Stephanie Paproski, a freshmen forward, scored her first goal as a Spartan against Daniel Webster.

“I was very ecstatic I got to play, it was a really good experience and I look forward to the rest of the season,” Paproski said.

The heavy surge of offense has been a factor in the winning streak, but the consistent defense was a just as big. The Spartans have outscored their opponents 33-8 in the past six matches, and goaltender Trisha Clark has stood on her head for the first half of the season.

“The goal is to improve on the goals we score. The top teams in the league have a big differential between the goals they score, and the goals they allow,” head coach Tammy Landon said. “We want to peak later in the season, and carry it into the postseason with us.”

The Spartans are now 5-1 at home, and will hit the road for six games. Castleton will return home on October 18 to play Thomas College, and again on the 25 to end the season against Maine Farmington.