NORTH ADAMS, Mass.—Norwich University and Castleton State battled each other in the opening round of the CIAO Classic hosted by MCLA this afternoon. The two Vermont clubs battled to 0-0 draw in North Adams.  Norwich is now 2-1-1 heading into tomorrow's game with MCLA.  Castleton is 2-0-1 and will play Union (NY) tomorrow at noon.

Norwich had a chance in the second overtime session as Castleton was whistled for a hand ball in the box with just five minutes remaining in double OT.  Chris Bristol (Clinton, Conn.) stepped up to take the shot but was denied by Nate Koenemann in the lower right corner.  Norwich couldn't muster up a shot on the rebound and Castleton survived.

Each side had quality chances in the second half.  Norwich had a golden opportunity off a corner kick in the 67th minute. Bristol sent a curling kick towards the box and Nathan Bacon (Randolph, Vt.) headed the ball past Koenemann.  Spartan defender Eric Cross came to the rescue and headed the ball out of the net to keep it scoreless.

Minutes later, Castleton had its golden opportunity.  Spencer Dandurand took a through pass to the right corner and then beat a Norwich defender. He was one on one with Norwich keeper Greg Payne (State College, Pa.) but had a poor angle. Dandurand took a shot to the short side and hit the post.

Neither team created any golden chances in the first overtime.  Each side attempted just one shot, neither of which was on goal.

The tightly contested match was evidenced by Norwich's slim 13-12 shot advantage. Koenemann had five saves for Castleton, while his counterpart Payne stopped a pair of shots for Norwich.

Courtesy of MCLA Sports Information