As the NAC women's basketball tournament came to a close in Glenbrook gymnasium, it was not the Spartans hoisting the trophy above their heads. Instead, it was Husson winning their third straight NAC championship. The Spartans missed out on their chance at the title after losing the semifinal match the day before to Maine Maritime, 57-49

"I thought it was a very good year, obviously disappointed in how it ended, but proud of the season overall," said head-coach Tim Barret.

While it didn't end the way many had hoped, the season was still a success. The Spartans had a lot to be proud of. The team finished first in the NAC, had the NAC Rookie of the Year, NAC Defensive Player of the Year, two First Team All NAC players, Barrett won the Coach of the Year award and senior Makayla Farrara scored her 1000^th point for Castleton in a game against Norwich late in the season.

"After reflecting back on the season, although the ending was not what we hoped it would be, I am really proud of my team and all that we accomplished before that," said senior Amanda Beatty.

Beatty finished the season second on the team in points and rebounding after averaging 12.1 points and 4.7 rebounds.

"Just a well-rounded player, she really came into her own over the last two seasons," said Barrett when asked about Beatty.

Beatty was named First Team All NAC for the second straight year, a feat she says she couldn't have accomplished without the rest of the team.

"I feel extremely honored to have received First Team All NAC recognition. I know I could not have been successful without my teammates and coaches. It is easy to look good when you have such great players around you."

The team’s leading scorer, Makayla Farrara, joined Beatty on the First Team All NAC.

 "Personally, it's very rewarding knowing the amount of time you have put into the game gives back," Farrara said.

Farrara had the best season of her career, averaging 14.3 points and 3.5 rebounds. She also became the 16^th player in program history to score 1000 points after scoring a career-high 30 points against Norwich on Feb. 15, a feat she was quite happy to accomplish while surrounded by her team and fans.

"It honestly felt amazing to share such an accomplishment with everyone that was there and I couldn't be more happy that it was on our home court… I wouldn't have done it without my coaches, teammates, friends and family so I am thankful most of them could be there," said Farrara.

She also mentioned how it felt even more special because it was her roommate and teammate, Ashlie Fay, assisted on the score.

Fay was yet another Spartans that put together her most productive season. She led the team in assists, rebounds and steals with averages of 4.9, 5.2 and 3.1. She was also named the NAC Defensive Player of the Year, something she credits to the work ethic of her teammates.

"I know that with the help of my team, they practice and play hard which makes me play harder, and that helps me learn how to be a better defensive player," Fay said.

"She competes at a high level every day, not just in games but in practices, I can't remember a day where I felt Ashlie Fay didn't give us one-hundred percent," Barrett said.

The team also had the NAC Rookie of the Year in freshman Brooke Raiche as well, an award she didn't see coming.

"I was totally surprised, I was not excepting it by any means, I mean I got NAC Rookie of the Week twice, but there was this other girl who got it four times… but I was very proud of myself," said Raiche.

Raiche averaged 6.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game this season.

"I think she is just scratching the surface of how good she can be," Barret said, "I think that over the next two or three years you're going to see her production on both ends of the floor increase."

While the team may have failed to attain its final goal, the season itself was still a success because the triumphs they shared and experiences they had will always be remembered.

"We became a family by the end of it and the relationships will last a lifetime," said Beatty.