The Middlebury women's basketball team improved to 4-0 on the season as they defeated in-state foe Castleton State 76-55 in Pepin Gym. The Panthers return to action when they host Union on Saturday, while the Spartans visit Colby-Sawyer next Tuesday.

Middlebury came out strong, jumping out to a 14-5 lead in the game's first 7:15, with seven different players scoring. Castleton battled back and cut the lead to one at the 6:11 mark on a hoop from Jess Banks. Middlebury answered with a 10-0 run behind three's from Emily Johnson and Ashley Barron to grab a 30-19 lead late in the first half.

Leading 35-21 at the break, Middlebury slowly increased its lead in the second half, extending it to 27 points with 9:32 remaining. Castleton would come within 19, but the Panthers pulled away for the 76-55 win.

Johnson led the team with 16 points, Katie Fisher scored 14, while Lani Young added 10. Aylie Baker had eight points and eight rebounds in the win, while Ashley Barron added eight points and seven boards.

LeeAnne Ketchen paced the Spartans with 13, while Mary Nienow added 11