CASTLETON, Vt. – Claire Bottjer (Poughkeepsie, N.Y./Our Lady of Lourdes) netted a goal at the 59:09 mark of the second half to lead the Plattsburgh State women's soccer team to their first win of the 2024 campaign. The Cards picked up the 1-0 win over VTSU-Castleton, moving their record to 31-2-1 against the Spartans since 1978.

Bottjer's goal was assisted by Jillian Bezio (Keeseville, N.Y./AuSable Valley), the first of the junior's collegiate career. Lauren Haley (LaGrange, N.Y./Arlington) earned the shutout in net, collecting her first win of the season as well as two saves.

Plattsburgh State moves to 1-2 with the win and next plays in their home opener on Wednesday, Sept. 11 when they take on Skidmore at 7 p.m. at the Field House Complex Turf. The Spartans fall to 1-1 on the year and next travel to New England College for a non-conference match on Sunday, Sept. 8.

After a quiet first half with just four shots from each team and just two shots on goal, the Cardinals came out with a strong attack. Bottjer put a good look on goal, and another shot from Plattsburgh missed wide left within the first five minutes of the second stanza. Two corners followed for Castleton, and the Cardinals were able to turn away a Spartan chance that ignited a breakaway opportunity just before the 60:00 mark.

Bezio played a pass from midfield just over the Castleton backline and Bottjer was able to beat her defender to the ball, leaving just herself and the goalie between the back of the net. As the goalie ran up to contest the Bottjer knocked in the shot under the diving keeper with her right foot to put the Cards up 1-0.

From there, the Cardinals were only able to get up one shot, as Castleton turned up the attack to try and tie the game. However, the Plattsburgh backline held tall allowing just one shot on goal in the 87^th minute that Haley saved to keep the lead intact.

Emma Ezzo took the loss in goal for Castleton, making two saves and allowing one goal.