The Spartans women’s hockey team is headed to the playoffs! Within the team, expectations were high for the season. This being their lowest playoff seeding in the last three years, 7th place in the conference, was not their hope. But, they have a ticket to the dance. The time is now to get up and perform. They will be facing off with Elmira on Saturday on the road.

They clinched their playoff spot with two wins over New England College on Feb. 7-8 at home.

 The first of their 4-2 wins started with a dominant first period where the Saprtans carried the play decisively despite going down 1-0 in the last minute of the period. They broke through in the second period with three unanswered. 

Rachel McNeil started the girls off with a big tying goal assisted by Rainey Lay, and Moa Carlsson. Senior forward Codi Bacon followed up with a goal to take the lead just two minutes later. 

Senior defenceman Emery Bonner tallied a third on the powerplay halfway through the second. The women continued to dominate the game but gave up a second goal late in the second period. Moa Carlsson scored a third period insurance marker to put the game away.

The Spartan’s second game of the weekend with NEC went similarly, The Spartans took an early lead with a goal from Moa Carlsson, assisted by Alex Johnson, just over five minutes into the first period. Annika Nelson extended the lead before the first intermission. Despite a strong effort from the Pilgrims, Castleton maintained their advantage, improving to a 7-8-1 record in New England Hockey Conference play.

This past weekend, the team hosted Elmira College for two significant matchups. 

The first game on Friday, Feb. 14, was particularly special as it marked the 16th annual “Pink the Rink” event, dedicated to raising funds for the Breast Care Program at Rutland Regional Medical Center’s Foley Cancer Center. 

Over the years, this event has garnered immense support, with the team contributing more than $100,000 to the cause. The final score of this one was a slightly disappointing 6-2 loss in front of the home crowd.

The following day, Saturday, Feb. 15, the teams faced off again at Spartan Arena.

 Again, a special occasion as it was senior night for the Spartans. Led by Captain Emery Bonner, Alex Johnson, Victoria Bakopanos, and Codi Bacon make up the senior class. 

When asked to speak on what this game and day means to her, Bacon had this say.

“Being able to celebrate the end of our hockey careers was really special for us, especially having our families around to accompany us. Being a part of this team is one of the greatest experiences I have had in college and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said. 

For these seniors, unfortunately this game will be the last of theirs played in Spartan Arena, 

“Spartan Arena has been a home for us as hockey players during our time here, and a place for our community to gather. Not just as student-athletes and a team, but the fans and supporters that create such a wonderful atmosphere as well are as much a part of that. It has been a privilege to play in this rink and in front of these people. I will miss that privilege a lot,” said Victoria Bakopanos about her last game in the Spartan Arena.

The game was somewhat disastrous itself and resulted in a 9-0 loss. Let’s hope the girls were sandbagging Elmira in anticipation of their playoff meeting next weekend. Not the game most would like to end their college careers on at home. 

However, when speaking to Assistant Captain Meg Aiken she shared optimism. 

“We know we can be better than that. We have stayed in it with teams better than them all year long. I would really love it if we could extend the seniors careers here as spartans one game at a time. They’ve done so much for me, I’d like if we did something for them,” Aiken said.