The Castleton women’s field hockey team concluded its season with a 2-1 win over the University of Maine Farmington Saturday afternoon, Oct. 25. The lady Spartans attacked immediately, scoring both goals in the first half.

Carolyn Griggs scored the first goal of the game and her 18th goal of the season with 25:11 remaining in the half. Farmington’s goalie, Kaeleigh Barker, failed to clear a shot from the circle and Griggs capitalized on the error. Griggs lifted a shot over Barker, who was diving for the save. Moments later, Griggs received an assist on a goal that Kayla Blank snuck past Barker. Griggs fired a shot from the top of the circle. Blank deflected the shot into the goal, giving Castleton an early 2-0 lead and giving Blank her 19th goal of the year.

Farmington came back strong in the second half, looking for revenge on the red-hot Spartans.

Alyssa St. Pierre finally found a hole in the Spartan defense, lifting a shot over Castleton goalie, Trisha Clark, with 13:14 remaining in the game. The remainder of the half would be taxing on the Castleton defense as the Farmington offense pressured the circle constantly.

After a timeout called by Farmington with two minutes remaining, St. Pierre had another chance to tie the game. But her efforts were halted by the solid, relentless Spartan defense. Farmington rifled off a shot, but it was off target.

Clark had eight saves in the game, including two outstanding saves in the second half that she laid out for, battling the attacking sticks of the Farmington offense. Her saves were the key in preventing the Beavers from making a last-minute comeback.

The Spartans’ victory wrapped up their season with a 12-7 regular season record and a 5-1 North Atlantic Conference record. Castleton and Farmington (8-7, 5-1 NAC) are tied at the top of the standings as the postseason approaches. Upcoming pairings will determine where the teams will travel and when for the NAC tournament.