Kyle Lutinski looks to pass the ball in a game that saw him rack up five assists and two goals. Photo Courtesy of CastletonSports.com

After beginning the season 0-4, the Castleton men’s lacrosse team has been on a tear, winning eight of their last 10 games. Before losing to Kean 12-5 on April 15, the Spartans were riding a five-game win-streak, making a statement with their play.

During their streak, Castleton took down Green Mountain College, Husson, Plymouth State, Lyndon State and most recently Thomas College.

On April 14, the Spartans crushed the Terriers at home 17-2. In the game, senior midfielder and face-off specialist Josh Gosselin was perfect from the line, winning all 23 of his face-offs; the most face-off wins without a loss in Division III so far this season.

But you won’t hear Gosselin boast about it.

“Do I think it’s why we won so big? Not at all,” Gosselin said. “It certainly helps giving the boys more possessions, but it comes down to everyone grinding hard and them putting it in the back of the net.”

Junior midfielder Jason Sedell led the team with four goals against Thomas, but it was Castleton’s attack that accounted for the bulk of the scoring. Junior attackman Kyle Lutinski recorded two goals and five assists while seniors Sam Seigel, Kevin McCarthy and sophomore Tyler Crowningshield each put up two goals of their own.

Castleton is now 6-1 at home, undefeated in the conference (5-0) and holds the number one seed in the NAC. But with such a rocky start to the beginning of the season, it is fair to wonder, what is the secret to their recent surge? Gosselin attributes his team’s hot streak to a developing connection.

“After playing a couple tight games, the team is really starting to grow some chemistry,” he said. “Having to battle all four quarters in a couple games has helped us come together as a team. It makes us want to reach our overall goal of a championship even more.”

The Spartans have just two games remaining on their regular season schedule. They will square up against the Johnson State Badgers on April 18 and finish their season with a game against the New England College Pilgrims on April 23.