The Castleton women’s basketball team came into the Dec. 4 matchup with Elms College ready to play. The Spartans dominated the Blazers throughout the game and never got behind on the scoreboard, winning 53-46.Castleton took an early 6-0 lead after two quick 3-pointers from guards Tarryn Bolognani and Christine Jaques. Senior forward Kristie Dunchus capped off an early 8-0 run with a jumper to put the Spartans ahead 16-5.

The Spartan defense also dominated the first half, causing 14 Blazer turnovers that led to 15 points. The defense did its best to stop Blazer Erika Murphy who shot 7-17 from the field with a game-high 17 points. Head coach Tim Barrett was pleased with his squad’s defensive effort.

“Defensively we played very well,” said Barrett. “I think we gave up one too many second chances. But the effort level was very good.”

Elms took a 9-0 run of its own, cutting the deficit to four points at 34-30. Castleton then pulled away again and for good with an 11-2 gaining back a double-digit lead.

“We still need to put a 40-minute effort together,” said Barrett. “We’ve played well but we haven’t maintained that level [throughout the season]. It’s something we have to work on before we enter into next semester.”

Jaques had a team-high 13 points, shooting 5-13 from the field with three 3-pointers, and Bolognani was right behind her with 11, dropping 4-11 from the field with that solo three. Freshman Alyssa Leonard went 4-9 from the field continuing her impressive rookie campaign.

“[Leonard] provides a consistency that you sometimes don’t get from a freshman,” Barrett said.

With the win, Castleton improves its record to 2-3. The team will begin conference play next semester on Jan. 14 at home aginst the University of Maine-Farmington

The Spartans will host Merchant Marine on Saturday, Dec. 11 in the Glenbrook Gymnasium at 5 p.m. They will travel to Norwich University to take on the Cadets in their final game of the semester on Monday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.