VALPARAISO, Ind. - Two early goals from senior Erin Bianchi, a late goal from sophomore Alison Gasparovich and steady defensive play gave the Indiana State University Sycamores a 3-3 draw against the host Valparaiso University Crusaders at Eastgate Field in Valparaiso, Ind.

After Valparaiso controlled the possession for much of the early play, the Sycamores got on the board first in the 24^th minute.  After the Crusaders cleared the ball in their defensive half, sophomore Katie Geyman found senior Katlin Owens on a throw in.  Owens battled her way through the Valparaiso defense and sent a cross in front of the Crusader goal, where Bianchi chipped the ball past a diving keeper.  The goal was Bianchi's third this season.

The Crusaders (4-8-1) responded twice in the first half, tallying goals in the 30^th and 43^rd minutes.  During the first 45 minutes, Indiana State recorded six shots with four on goal.  Valparaiso totaled eight shots with four on goal.

The Sycamores (3-8-2) tied the game at two just four minutes into the second half on Bianchi's second goal of the game.  After moving down the right wing, freshman Casey Allbright sent a cross into the center of the penalty box that found Bianchi, who tipped the ball past the Crusader keeper.

"I thought that overall it was a very hard fought game from both teams," said senior Erin Bianchi.  "I scored the goals tonight, but I have to give credit to my teammates for giving me awesome passes."

Valparaiso took a late lead in the game, posting a goal in the 77^th minute, but the Sycamores were quick to respond posting a goal just four minutes later.  After free kick from freshman Kourtney Vassar, Bianchi's shot on goal was blocked and landed at the feet of Gasparovich.  Gasparovich moved to the center of the penalty box and found space past the Crusader keeper for her third goal this season.

"EB [Erin Bianchi] played a great game tonight and I am proud of the team for fighting to get this result," said head coach Erika True. "Now we are going to turn our attention towards conference play with four games remaining."

For the game Indiana State posted 11 shots, with eight on goal.  Sophomore Emily Lahay got the start in goal for the Sycamores, making two saves while playing all 45 minutes in the first half.  Fellow sophomore Taylor Nelson made five saves while playing the entire second half and overtime periods.

The Sycamores will next return to the field on Wednesday, Oct. 14, when they will host the defending Missouri Valley Conference championships from the University of Evansville.  The game is set to kick off a 7:00 p.m. ET.