Mangiardi scores but MCLA women's soccer falls to Castleton

North Adams, MA- Castleton University's Makenzi Bellando scored a pair of goals while teammate Bronwen Hopwood netted a goal and an assist in leading the Spartans past the MCLA Trailblazers 6-1 this evening at Shewcraft field.  The Spartans earn their first win of the season and improve to 1-2-1 while the Trailblazers drop to 0-3.

Castleton started fast in the opening half of play as they immediately pressured the Trailblazers.  Spartan Bronwen Hopwood converted an MCLA turnover just four minutes into play for an early 1-0 advantage.  Castleton would tally again in the 15^th minute, this time on Makenzi Bellando's shot into the upper left corner of the net making it 2-0 and seemingly put Castleton in firm command.

MCLA would finally get one back in the 32^nd minute when Lauren Mangiardi was the beneficiary of a Spartan turnover.  She would corral the ball just outside the Spartan eighteen and loft a shot into the upper left corner slicing the lead to 2-1.  The Trailblazers couldn't get any closer however as Aubra Linn knocked home a cross off the foot of Megan O'Shea bringing the score to 3-1 at halftime.

The Spartans owned a decisive 21-3 shot edge after the opening half of play and a 7-2 edge in corners.

In the second half, Bellando knocked home a cross from Kate Steller to make it 4-1.  Rachel Keefer and Dallas Brodhead also tallied to round out the scoring and account for the final score.

Castleton owned a 35-9 shot advantage over MCLA on the night.

MCLA is back in action on Saturday when they host Worcester State at 1pm in the MASCAC opener for both teams.