The Castleton women's soccer team powered past Johnson State to claim a 3-0 victory in North Atlantic Conference (NAC) play on Saturday afternoon on Mineart Field. The Badgers slide to 7-6 overall and 2-4 in the NAC while Castleton advances to 7-6 on the year and 4-1 in conference play. 

For Castleton, Mallory Costello led the offense notching her seventh goal on the year, while also chipping in two assists. Kiley Baran and Sarah Carlson also tallied a goal apiece in the Spartans winning effort. 

Castleton's offense pressured the Badgers defense early on in the match, taking five shots and netting its first goal of the game in the opening 15 minutes of play. 

The Spartans took the lead in the 11th minute courtesy of a Sarah Carlson through ball that was collected by Costello and blasted past Johnson keeper Amber McCullock's fingertips. The Badgers, down a goal, ramped up their pressure on the visitors and held off the Spartan's attacks thanks in large part to McCullock's impressive saves between the bars. In the 41st minute, Baran launched a screamer from more than 20 yards out that sailed into the upper left corner to give the Spartans a 2-0 advantage heading into the break. 

Despite Johnon's improved shooting in the second half, the Spartans found holes in the Badger defense and lined Carlson up to slip a third and final goal into the net. The Spartans ended the day with a 3-0 advantage. 

Overall, Castleton outshot Johnson 29-12 and had the edge in corner kicks, 4-1.

Senior goaltender Amber McCullock recorded a huge 18 saves for Johnson State while Jessica Binkowski turned away nine shots and picked up her 7th win and 5th shutout of the year. 

The Badgers return to action tomorrow when they host Plymouth St. at 1:00pm while Castleton will return home to host New England College at 4:00pm.

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