The Castleton women’s ice hockey team extended its skid to eleven straight losses when they were shut out 2-0 on Feb. 10 by a solid Norwich team during “Pink the Rink” night at the Spartan Arena.The freshman goaltender, Katharyn Dembowski, continued her sensational year, stopping 60 shots in a game where the Spartans were outshot 62-10.

Norwich forward Julie Fortier opened up the scoring seven minutes into the first period when she slammed home a rebound for her team-leading 17th goal. Fellow forward Sarah Scardino put home her sixth goal 8:16 into the second period.

Castleton was able to hold the Cadets scoreless in the third period, but the team could not generate any offense of its own, shooting the puck on the Norwich net-minder just once.

Equally disappointing for the Spartans was their performance on power-plays. The team had eight chances with an extra skater but was unable to capitalize. Castleton, though, was able to stay strong on defense, killing off all four of Norwich’s man-up chances.

Even though the game was a loss on the score sheet, the Spartans considered it a win in the fight against breast cancer. The team was able to donate $6,317 with teammates Rutland Regional Medical Center and the Foley Cancer Center to the Breast Care Program.

Coach Bethany Torrice was proud of her team’s community service initiative.

“It was the largest crowd in Castleton women’s hockey history,” said Torrice. “We made great connections with the Rutland community.”

The Spartans finish their season on the road with a game against St. Michael’s College and two against Nichols College. Their last win came against St. Michael’s on Dec. 12, and they tied Nichols in the two teams’ first meeting at Spartan Arena earlier in the season.

Torrice said that it is about time for her team to get another win, but she also said that she has found some memorable high notes in the 3-18-1 season.

“The weekend at Southern Maine when we upset [them],” Torrice said, reflecting on the best points of the season. “Also the Rutland Herald Invitational [tournament]. It was good to host some great competition.”

Castleton unfortunately lost to SUNY Oswego and Adrian College in the tourney.

Another thing Torrice was proud of this season was the play of Dembowski in net.

“[Dembowski’s] a great positive to focus on for seasons to come,” Torrice said.