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 15th 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 32nd 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.