It has already been quite a year for Spartan athletics, and it just keeps getting better!

To start off, the women’s basketball team took on the Chargers of Colby-Sawyer in the North Atlantic Conference Championship game. The Spartans had a choke hold on the Chargers at the end of the first half, 40-26, and never trailed in the game as they ran away with the win, 65-51. Four Spartans were in double figures, including tournament MVP Vanessa Powers, who finished the game with 13 points and 17 rebounds. Kelly Conway was also a key to this game as she shut down NAC Player of the Year, Taylor DeSanty, limiting her to just 4 of 20 from the field. The women now move on to the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Right after the women won their title, the men were on the court at Glenbrook Gymnasium which was packed with fans of both Castleton and Colby-Sawyer for their NAC title game. Erupting cheers followed every basket from the Spartans from the crowd as they completely dominated the Chargers, 102-76, to capture their first ever NAC title. Mark Comstock earned tournament MVP honors and was selected to the All-Tournament Team along with Greg Hughes. With the win, the men also earned a bid in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

The men’s ice hockey team took care of business in the opening round of the ECAC East Tournament, defeating New England College 2-1. The Spartans outshot the Pilgrims 37-18, but could only put two of them in the net. Senior Captain Lindsey Gullet didn’t take any crap from the Pilgrims goaltender Shawn Sirman. In the first period Sirman tried to block Gullet from getting to the puck and Gullet ran right through him. Sirman wanted a penalty and he got one, except it was on him. Keep it going boys! The Spartans play against Skidmore this Friday at Norwich University.

The women’s ice hockey Team continues to make history this season. Head Coach Bill Bowes was named Coach of the Year, and the team won its first-ever playoff game last Saturday against Salve Regina. Junior Forward Hanna Martini scored her third goal of the season 5:46 into overtime and Paula Stephens stopped 38 shots to give the Spartans the 3-2 win. They travel to Norwich for a huge semifinal game with the team that is ranked number two in the country.

The men’s ski team won the USCSA Giant Slalom title on Saturday as well.

Altogether, the Spartans brought home three pieces of hardware and went 5-0 on the day. February 25th should be remembered and celebrated as Spartan Pride Day from now on.

Be sure to check out Spartan Sports Weekly this Friday.