The second-ranked Middlebury women's hockey team skated to its third-consecutive victory as the Panthers shutout Castleton University 2-0 in a non-conference matchup Tuesday night at Spartan Arena. The Panthers (3-0-0) return to action on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. against fifth-ranked Elmira College in the Panther/Cardinal Classic hosted by top-ranked Plattsburgh State, while the Spartans (5-3-0) are idle until December 3rd.

Middlebury dominated the first period, outshooting Castleton 14-4. The Panthers had a good chance to score with just one second remaining in the opening frame. Jenna Letterie had a breakaway opportunity, but her shot sailed just over the goal. Madie Leidt collected the rebound, but her bid went wide as the teams skated into the intermission knotted 0-0.
 
Middlebury came out firing in the second period and got on the scoreboard at 12:14 during a delayed penalty on Castleton. Eva Hendrikson scored the goal from the right wing, beating goalie Kirsten DiCicco on the stick side. The tally was Hendrikson's first of the season.

Cat Appleyard extended Middlebury's lead to 2-0 with a power-play goal at 7:34 in the third period. Castleton's best opportunity to cut into the lead came during a five-on-three power play for 1:33 with just over five minutes remaining in the game. The Spartans had a pair of shots during the span, but Middlebury's defense held up, blocking both chances and killing off the penalty.

Caroline Silk made seven saves to earn her second shutout of the season, while DiCicco made 45 stops for the Spartans. Middlebury outshot Castleton 47-7.