BENNINGTON, Vt. - The Southern Vermont College Women's Volleyball team fell short in its 2009 kick-off match 3-0, (10-25, 10-25, 13-25) to the Castleton State College Spartans Tuesday night in the Field House.

Joa Claircius had seven digs and two kills for the Mountaineers while the Spartans were led by Jamie Lemieux who posted 11 kills and three service aces.

The crowd of 103 filled the SVC gymnasium with hoots and hollers behind SVC's (0-1) young squad as they fought hard with Castleton (1-0) who are coming off a 7-14 season in 2008.

The Mountaineers led in the third set until the Spartans went on a run winning 13-25. SVC's Kayleigh Moretto had three kills, two digs, and block and Tasha Smith added four digs and a 1.5 blocks on the front line for Southern Vermont.

Castleton's Jenniffer Vibert led the team with five service aces. Ashley Kepaa and Ariel DeGregory each posted four service aces as the Spartans tagged a successful day from the service line with 20 total.

The Mountaineers jump back into action this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. when they head to Becker for a tri-match versus the Hawks and Bard College. Go to www.svcathletics.com for all your Mountaineer sports updates.