CASTLETON, Vt.—The Skidmore College women's soccer team was knocked off by Castleton, 4-1, in the season opener for both teams on Tuesday afternoon.
 
Senior forward Mary Costello led the Spartans (1-0), scoring twice in the first half and once in the second for her fifth career hat trick.
 
Castleton got on the board in the opening five minutes for the early 1-0 lead. Thoroughbreds (0-1) goalkeeper Deirdre Walsh denied Kinnan Latremore's long range effort, but the rebound fell to Costello and she  converted from close range.

Costello doubled the Spartans lead just minutes later at 9:44 firing a shot into the upper corner after forcing a turnover deep in Skidmore's defensive zone.

The Thoroughbreds' best chance of the half came in the final minute as Jane Huber ripped a shot, forcing Castleton goalkeeper Jessica Binkowski to make a diving save
 
The Spartans stretched their lead to 3-0 1:03 into the second half, as Eva Clark headed home a corner. Costello sealed the win in the 56th minute, knocking in a cross to complete her hat trick.
 
Skidmore netted its lone goal of the contest in the 71st minute, as Megan Caccavale pick out Emily Saliterman with a cross, and she one-touched it past Binkowski to cut the deficit to 4-1.

The Thoroughbreds outshot the Spartans 21-16 and owned a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks. Walsh took the loss in net, making six saves, while Binkowski turned away eight saves in the win.

Skidmore goes back on the road to take on MCLA at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.