Field Hockey falls to Castleton State, 11-0

(Castleton, Vermont) The Rivier University Field Hockey team dropped a tough road North Atlantic Conference contest this evening at Castleton State College, 11-0.

Blake Wardwell and Shawna Pinsonault each finished with hat tricks while Rachel Preusser matched a career high with four assists. Nine different Spartans recorded a point on the evening.

Senior Blake Wardwell got the Spartan offensive rolling with a goal in the second minute of play. Shawna Pinsonault received a pass on the right flank and crossed it into the center of the goal mouth where a waiting Wardwell finished it to put Castleton up 1-0.

Pinsonault got in on the scoring action with consecutive goals in the seventh and 11th minutes to put Castleton up 3-0. Wardwell, Emily Hudson, and Annie Towslee each added tallies later in the half to give the Spartans a 6-0 lead at the break.

The second half went much like the first, with the Spartans dominating play and possession. The squad marched the field to score five more goals in the second frame. Annie Towslee scored a pair of goals, Preusser and Sarah Heffernan each netted one while Pinsonault and Wardwell both completed their hat trick.

Jess Galatioto earned the win with five saves in 55 minutes in net. Meeghan Doris relieved the Spartan starter and made two saves in the final 15 minutes. The pair combined to produce the Spartans' sixth shutout of the season. Junior Mackenzie Flagg (Shirley, Mass.) made eight saves for the Raiders in the loss.

The Raiders are now 4-12 on the season (0-7 in the NAC) and will end the 2013 campaign with two home games against Lasell College on October 22 and Thomas College on October 26.