Rutland, VT - They say the most improvement a team makes is between the first and second games of the season.

This seemed to prove true for the Southern Vermont College Women's Volleyball team, who played much better against Castleton State College on Thursday night despite still losing 3-0 to the Spartans in a match played at Castleton, Vt.

 "Our team battle hard and never gave up," said Head Coach Tina Cook, whose team lost 25-14, 25-4, and 25-15 in three straight sets. "The third match was very exciting.  I got to see the potential this team has.  They improved a lot from the first game and I only expect them to get better from here."

Southern Vermont was led by Freshman Kristen Cummings, who had three service aces.  Freshman Joa Claircius added three defensive digs and a kill for the Mountaineers.

Castleton was led by Junior Heather Spain, who had 12 total attacks and four kills for the Spartans.

The Mountaineers (0-2) return to action on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. when they take on Becker College and Bard College in a tri-match at Bard College in Hudson, NY.