The play on the field became a secondary issue for the women’s lacrosse team late this season.Before the regular season came to an end, six players were kicked off the team for disobeying school policy through an alcohol-related incident, Coach Alison Struzziero said.

“A few players made some choices against the rules and consequences had to be taken,” the first-year coach said.

Players, who initially agreed to talk to a Spartan reporter, later opted not to grant an interview.

The dismissal of the players left Castleton without enough players to finish the season. Then two players from last year’s team, who decided not to try out for this season’s squad, stepped up and gave Castleton enough players to continue competing.

The Lady Spartans started their playoffs last week, facing top-seeded Western New England College in the NEWLA semifinals. Playing with only 12 women on the roster, Castleton knew they would need to play their hearts out in order to pull off the upset.

The Western New England Golden Bears, with an impressive record of 11-4, played host to the Spartans in what was the second game between the two teams in a six day span. The Golden Bears were the victors of the first meeting 19-5.

Western New England started off the game strong, piling on goal after goal to take a commanding lead in the first half. Castleton only found the net once in the opening half, heading into halftime down 14-1.

The pace of the game stayed constant in the second half and the Spartans continued to get outplayed. When all was said and done, the Golden Bears of Western New England were 21-6 winners and advanced to the NEWLA championship game.

Freshman Katelyn Greene led Castleton in scoring for the game with three goals. Sophomore Nicole Bouchard had two goals in a losing effort.

With the loss, Castleton ends their season with a 5-7 and was forced to deal with the unwanted controversy.

“This team’s record doesn’t reflect our huge strides to improvement,” Struzziero said. “Through hard-work and having committed athletes, the team definitely exceeded my pre-season expectations.