The Castleton State College women’s basketball team continues to attack the hoop as their tough defense continues to gain the girls special recognition. They left on the road for a double-header in Maine coming away with a pair of victories.

After their first conference loss to Colby-Sawyer Wednesday evening, the Spartans bounced back, out-rebounding the Terriers 50-21 with a final score of 83-42 in a North Atlantic Conference game Friday night at Thomas College.

Jade Desroches recorded yet another high scoring game of 21-points which marked her career best. Meghan O’Sullivan racked up 16-points while a trio consisting of Heather Murdough, Stephanie Bull and Alyssa Leonard each scored 9-points.

For the Terriers Kate McAllister was the only one in double digits scoring 14-points and teammate Elizabeth Goodall putting up five more.

With the win Castleton’s record jumped to 20-3 overall (15-1 NAC) and Thomas dropping to 3-19 overall (3-12 NAC).

In the first three minutes of the ball game, the Spartans went on a 10-1 run until McAllister made two field-goals.

For the Terriers it just wasn’t enough as the Spartans lashed back. The first half concluded with a lay-up by Desroches who logged two 3-pointers earlier giving the Spartans a comfortable lead of (44-25).

Castleton continued to keep their lead in the second half with two 10-0 runs on Thomas. The largest lead of the game came with 24 seconds to go in the game where the Spartans led by 43 points.

Castleton’s defense dominated as Murdough snatched 10 of the 50 rebounds for the Spartans. Five other Spartans grabbed five or more individually.

The Spartans came back for more action Saturday against Farmington Maine with even more intensity than before. Both teams put up a good fight but the Beavers couldn’t break through the Spartans defense, finishing the night 90-61.

Desroches upped her career high to 26-points while Liz Douglas and Shelby LaBarge scored a high game of 19-points each.

The Beavers had Lindsay Ranquist as a high scorer with 15-points and Ayla Allen adding another 11-points, their only players to score about 5.         

The Spartans improved to 21-3 overall and (16-1 NAC). The Beavers dropped to 9-4 overall (8-8 NAC).

The first half was neck-and-neck. Farmington either led or was tied with Castleton for about eight minutes until Desroches hit a 3-pointer to take the lead 14-13.

Less than a minute later the Spartans went on a 10-0 run until Holly Oliver broke the run with a 3-point shot.

The half culminated with two made free throws by Allen causing a very close score of 43-40.

The Beavers only scored 20 points in the second half, but didn’t get over eight on a run as the Beavers played competitively by their side.

Spartans will be back on the court Sat. Feb. 22 for their last regular season game against Green Mountain College at Glenbrook gym.