CASTLETON, Vt. (Sept. 10, 2011) – Senior goalkeeper Katie Gibson racked up a career best 17 saves to lead the Mount Holyoke College field hockey team to a 2-1 victory over Castleton State College this afternoon at Spartan Stadium. With the win, the Lyons improved to 2-0 for the second year in a row. They are now perfect in three all-time meetings with the Spartans.

Both teams went scoreless until the 23:41 mark, when senior defender Tricia Chase snapped a shot past Castleton State goalkeeper Bridget Dusha from just inside the circle.

The Lyons then took advantage of a penalty corner opportunity to push their lead to 2-0 five minutes into the second half. This time, it was first year midfielder Kirsten Kilburn rifling a shot past Dusha from the top of the circle. Her second goal of the year came directly off the injection by senior forward Shara Robertson.

Castleton State broke through for its lone goal in the 51^st minute. After intercepting a Mount Holyoke pass deep in her own end, defender Stephanie Bardell sent the ball up field to midfielder Stephanie Paproski. Paproski proceeded to elude one defender before slipping a crossing pass to forward Rachel Preusser, who beat Gibson short side for her second tally of the year.

The Spartans had a chance to tie things in the waning minutes, but Gibson was up to the task. She found herself out of position on the play before recovering just in time to cover her nearside post, as Paproski lined up for what appeared to be a sure equalizer. Over the course of the afternoon, the senior made several outstanding stops to preserve the victory for Mount Holyoke.

Castleton State finished with advantages in shots (31-13) and corners (10-7). Dusha collected five saves for the hosts. 

The Lyons (2-0, 0-0 NEWMAC) will return to action on Wednesday, when they visit Wesleyan University for a non-conference tilt beginning at 7:00 p.m.