THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke kicks off a three match homestand versus non-conference foe Castleton State College this evening (5:00 p.m.) at the Mount Holyoke Turf Field. This will be the second all-time meeting between the two programs. The first came in 1978, when the Lyons edged the Spartans 2-1. Match Program

THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (5-5, 1-3 NEWMAC) exploded out of the gate, winning four of its first five matches. Over that span, the Lyons outscored their opponents 12-3 and posted four shutouts. They have since gone 1-4, with their lone win coming against Nichols College last Tuesday. Led by goalkeeper Katie Gibson, Mount Holyoke's stingy defense has surrendered just 12 goals this season. The junior has posted a goals against average of 1.20 and a save percentage of .824 in 699 minutes played. With her four shutouts this year, she now has 11 in her career. On the offensive end, forward Shara Robertson has amassed 21 points on nine goals and three assists. She was named NEWMAC Player of the Week on September 20. The Lyons have also received solid production from forward Jess Fajardo and defender Tricia Chase, who have collected two goals and two assists apiece. Meanwhile, midfielder Taylor Hedges has dished out three assists, and forward Stephanie Slysz has collected three goals.

THE SPARTANS: Led by midfielder Sarah Flore and forward Rachel Preusser, Castleton State's (8-4, 2-2 NAC) high powered offense has exploded for 50 goals thus far this season. Flore has amassed 26 points on 11 goals and four assists, while Preusser has totaled 21 points on 10 goals and a helper. The Spartans have also received a boost from forward Courtney Nolan, who has delivered seven goals to go with a team best seven assists. Meanwhile, forward Kealy Chipman has chipped in with eight tallies. Castleton State's wins have come against the University of New England (7-4), Plymouth State University (5-4), Western New England College (4-0), New England College (4-0), Ramapo College (3-0), Rivier College (12-1), Union College (4-2) and Lasell College (4-1). Siobhan Whittemore has posted a goals against average of 2.97.

NEXT UP:  Both squads are slated to resume their league schedules on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Mount Holyoke will host New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) foe MIT, while Castleton State will entertain North Atlantic Conference (NAC) opponent Thomas College.