The visiting Spartans of Castleton State College upended the Eagles 56-46 in a defensive battle Tuesday night.  The Spartans used a stingy defensive effort to hold the hosts to 25% shooting from the field to claim victory.

GMC senior Christina Chamberlin (Woodstock, VT) and CSC senior Mary Nienow (Middlebury, VT) both reached the 1,000^th point milestone on the night. 

The Spartans opened the game on a 16-4 run over the first 11:48 before GMC junior Emma Buckley (Lakeville, CT) sparked a comeback after she was fouled in the paint.  The Eagles reeled of a 14-7 run culminating with a last second field goal by Buckley to close the deficit to 6 (17-23) at the half. 

Despite attempting 20 free throws in the second half, GMC could only close to within 6 before the Spartans salted the game away down the stretch.  Castleton held the Eagles to 23.3% shooting (7 for 30) while shooting 42.4%.

Castleton were led by senior Nienow with 10 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds while fellow senior LeAnne Ketchen (Brookline, NH) chipped in with 7 points, 8 boards and 3 assists.

GMC featured three players with double figures led by Buckley with 15 points, 19 boards, 3 assists, and 2 blocks.  Chamberlin added 12 points and 6 rebounds while sophomore Molly Hopper (Gouvernor, NY) chipped in with 10 points and snagged 5 boards.

The Spartans improve to (9-7) on the season and (4-1) in NAC play while the Eagles fall to (8-7) and (2-3) in the conference. 

The Eagles and Spartans both return to action with a pair of home contests this weekend.  Green Mountain squares off against U-Maine Farmington Friday evening at 6pm and Thomas College Saturday afternoon at 2 pm.  Castleton faces Thomas Friday evening and Thomas Saturday afternoon.