TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Kylie Stober fanned a career-high seven batters and one-hit Valparaiso as Indiana State claimed a 1-0 win over the Crusaders in both teams Missouri Valley Conference opener.
 
The lone run for Indiana State (13-10, 1-0) came as Becky Malchow stole second then raced home as a throw went awry and was mishandled by the center fielder. Valparaiso (12-9, 0-1) had a chance for an early lead but left a runner stranded on third in the first inning. The Crusaders would put a runner in scoring position in the next inning but the following 16 batters would be retired by Stober and the Sycamore defense.
 
Malchow reached base in the fifth after pinch hitter Mycaela Miller hit a fielder's choice to short. Returning to her spot in the lineup, Malchow stole second moments later. Then, on Valpo's throw to second in an attempt to get the stealing Malchow, catcher Jenna Stauffenberg's throw sailed into center field. Malchow was pinned at second as centerfielder Taylor Lawson charged in to field the ball thrown awry but mishandled it. The speedy Malchow was able to race home and beat the throw for the lone run of the game.
 
Stober (3-4) totaled seven strikeouts in her third career complete game performance, allowing only one hit and walking only two.
 
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Set a career high, get named Player of the Game. Kudos to Kylie Stober as she set a career-best seven strikeouts in the game, tossing just her third career solo shutout. Stober went the distance, allowing just one hit (which came in the first inning) and walked only two.
 
STAT OF THE GAME
Kylie Stober and the Sycamore defense retired 16 consecutive Valparaiso batters to finish the game. The last time a Crusader got in base in the game came in the second inning with two outs on back-to-back walks. No other Valpo batter reached base after that.
 
PITCHERS OF RECORD

• Win: Kylie Stober, Indiana State (3-4)
• Loss: Kenzie Grossmann, Valparaiso (8-3)
• Save: None

RECORDS UPDATE

• Indiana State: 13-10 (1-0 MVC)
• Valparaiso: 12-9 (0-1 MVC)

NOTABLES

• The win marks the ninth consecutive victory Indiana State has registered over Valparaiso in the all-time series.
• This marks the third time in four years Indiana State has won its first game in conference play.
• The Sycamores are now 7-2 this year in one-run games
• The seven strikeouts by Kylie Stober ties a personal best mark for the senior. It is also the most any single Indiana State player has recorded this year.
• The seven strikeouts ties the most strikeouts the Sycamore pitching staff has recorded in a single game this season (vs. Green Bay on Feb. 23).

For the latest information on the Sycamore Softball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.