Spartans dance into playoffs with 20-1 win
Courtesy of Castleton Athletics
Taylor Esperti celebrates after a goal against Johnson State last week.
The Castleton women’s lacrosse team improved to 9-5, 7-0 North Atlantic Conference, and looked solid in their lopsided 20-1 victory over the Johnson State Badgers on senior day at Spartan Stadium last Saturday. The Spartans are now on a three-game winning streak and look to have a long and successful 2016 post-season run.
The Spartans are led by a strong senior class including Meghan Els, Rachel Bombardier, Brandi Whittemore, Emilee Maher, Maria Ploof, Taylor Esperti and Brianna MacKay.The seniors have been the heart and soul for the Spartans women’s lacrosse program during their time here, and were able to help the program have a record breaking season in 2015 when they went 17-3, and won the team’s first NCAA tournament game.
With just one game remaining in the regular season, and the playoffs right around the corner, the Spartans will look to finish strong when they host struggling Southern Maine this thursday.
Castleton senior standout Maria Ploof reflected on the Spartans and their play this season.
“We’ve been so successful because we have a lot of good leadership,” Ploof said. Every person respects one another and listens to what each other have to say. That has been helpful in establishing relationships off the field, which has translated to our success on the field.”
Ploof also commented about the Spartans, and their hopes of dominating the post season.
“We try to keep our focus set on one game at a time,” she said. “Currently we practice in preparation for whatever game is coming up next. Especially in the playoffs, you can’t think too far ahead because you never know when your last game is going to be. The main focus heading into playoffs is on whomever we play first and keeping our heads set in the moment. You’re not going to win a championship if you look too far ahead.”
With a win against Southern Maine this Thursday, Castelton will secure the number one seed and home field advantage throughout the NAC playoffs.
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