HENNIKER, N.H. - Vermont State University Castleton used three first period goals to take down the Pilgrims on Saturday in Little East Conference (LEC) action at Lee Clement Arena. 

VTSU Castleton scored the game's first goal inside the first two minutes as Josef Vyvial gave the Spartans a quick 1-0 lead. Luke Chakrabarti, after assisting on their first goal, scored about seven minutes later as the visitors held a 2-goal advantage after 9:21 of play. Still in the first period, the Spartans struck for a third time as Anthony Persi got in on the scoring 17:09 into the game.  

The Pilgrims outshot the Spartans, 43-20, on net in the game, but were unable to find the back of the net. Castleton goalkeeper Josh Ward stopped all 43 shots as he secured his second shutout of the season. For NEC, sophomore Anthony Beaulieu (Lawrence, Mass.) had 17 saves in 60 minutes of action. 

The 'Grims had some good looks at the Spartan net but saw a couple of their best shots ring off the pipe. They had three power-play opportunities, managing 10 shots on net across those three man-up chances, but the Spartans kept them off the scoreboard. 

The Pilgrims continue LEC action next weekend as they travel to Keene State on Friday for a 7:45 PM matchup, followed by a trip to Western Connecticut State on Saturday at 3:30 PM. 

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