CASTLETON, VT. - The New England College women's soccer team fell on the road in a non-conference matchup to Vermont State University – Castleton 5-0 on Tuesday afternoon.  

The Spartans wasted no time scoring their first goal less than two minutes into the opening half to take a quick 1-0 lead. Just minutes later the Spartans found the back of the net to extend their lead to 2-0. The Spartans continued to maintain their offensive pressure, firing shots, but freshman goalkeeper Kendal Cote (Charlestown, N.H.) made key saves. The Spartans capitalized again in the 10th minute, extending their lead to 3-0. The 'Grims continued to battle as junior Alyssa Butler (Irasburg, Vt.) and sophomore Abbey Keyes (Dedham, Mass.) responded with back-to-back shots on target, but Spartans goalkeeper Emma Ezzo came up with key saves to keep the Pilgrims off the scoreboard. In the 18th minute, the Spartans found the back of the net once again, notching their fourth goal of the game. Both teams continued to battle through the remainder of the half, with the Spartans carrying a commanding 4-0 lead into halftime.  

The Spartans came out strong to open the second half, continuing their offensive dominance by firing a series of shots on target, but senior goalkeeper Hollie Bomba (Seymour, Conn.) stood tall in net, making several key saves for the Pilgrims. In the 55th minute, the Spartans finally broke through again scoring their fifth goal to extend the lead to 5-0. The 'Grims continued to fight, generating offensive chances and firing shots just wide of the net. The Spartans kept pressing, but Bomba remained solid in net, turning away multiple attempts. The Sparts would secure the 5-0 victory over the Pilgrims.  

The Pilgrims return to action on Saturday when they host Dean College in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) matchup with a 1:00 PM start.  

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.