September 19, 2007

Blank provides scoring punch for 5-2 Spartans

Henniker, NH – Junior forward Kayla Blank scored two goals in the first half to help lead the visiting Castleton State College Spartans past the New England College Pilgrims 2-1 Wednesday afternoon in Henniker. The win improves Castleton to 5-2 on the season. The loss is the second straight for the Pilgrims dropping them to 2-4 overall.

NEC’s Jodie Dresser would get the Pilgrims on the board early scoring her second goal of the season unassisted just 9 minutes into the opening half.  Castleton’s Kayla Blank would answer scoring a nice goal assisted by Samantha Funk at the 15:49 mark to tie the game at 1-1. The two teams would battle closely through the final minutes of the half but Blank would connect again with just 53 seconds remaining to give the Spartans the 2-1 halftime lead.

Castleton would carry their momentum into the second half of play out shooting NEC 9-5 but Pilgrim keeper Mary Roux would turn away seven shots on goal to keep it a one goal lead.  Castleton’s defense would hold strong in the second half keeping the Pilgrims to just three shots on net leading the Spartans to the 2-1 victory.

Picking up the win in goal for Castleton was Trisha Clark who finished with 6 saves.  Mary Roux finished the afternoon with a total of 10 saves for NEC.

New England College will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 22 when they host conference opponent Anna Maria College at 1:00 p.m. Castleton returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 22 when they travel to take on Lasell College at 1:00 p.m. [Box Score]

Coaches' Player of the Game: Samantha Funk

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