VALPARAISO, Ind. – Indiana State jumped out to a 5-0 lead but Valpo responded with three runs in the third and a four-run sixth inning to rally for a 7-5 win over the Sycamores in the first game of a Missouri Valley Conference doubleheader Saturday.
 
Brooke Mann's two-run double – coming two at bats after Amanda Guercio's RBI double – gave Indiana State (14-29, 2-16 MVC) a three-run lead before Valparaiso (15-22, 4-14) could even step to the plate. Shaye Barton added to that with a two-run single in the next inning to give the Sycamores a five-run cushion.
 
But that margin was quickly diminished in the third as Jaymee Lawton hit the first of her three-run doubles in the game, cutting the ISU lead to 5-3. Lawton, who finished the day 2-for-4 with six RBI, would repeat that in the sixth. Valpo had already scored one run in the frame thanks to Peyton Moeder's RBI single when Lawton drove the ball to the fence in right center, emptying the previously loaded bases.
 
Olivia Patton would draw a leadoff walk in the seventh but Valpo's Jenna Edwards, who claimed her second save of the season, shut down the next three Sycamore batters to secure the win. Taylor Knight (1-1), who allowed five runs on eight hits but settled down after the first two innings, was credited with the win. Knight would only allow three hits over her final four innings in the circle.
 
Tessa Sims (1-5) was charged with the loss after allowing four runs on three hits in one inning in relief, getting charged with all four runs in Valpo's sixth inning rally.
 
Leslie Sims was 2-for-4 with a run scored while Barton and Mann each drove in two runs for Indiana State.
 
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Shaye Barton claims this honor after going 1-for-2 at the plate with a two-run single and a fielder's choice. She was a threat to Valpo pitching all day long, getting solid contact all day long with a ground out and a fly out.
 
STAT OF THE GAME
Four. Freshman Olivia Patton reached base in all four plate appearances in the game as the freshman drew a walk and a hit by pitch in addition to her two singles.
 
PITCHERS OF RECORD

• Win: Taylor Knight, Valparaiso (1-1)
• Loss: Tessa Sims, Indiana State (1-5)
• Save: Jenna Edwards, Valparaiso (2)

 RECORDS UPDATE

• Indiana State: 14-29 (2-16 MVC)
• Valparaiso: 15-22 (4-14 MVC)

NOTABLES

• Indiana State falls to 11-4 all-time against Valparaiso.
• Becky Malchow stole two bases in the game, matching a career-high mark. This marks the third time Malchow has swiped multiple bases in a game and the first time this season.
• This marked the third consecutive game Olivia Patton has registered multiple hits. The freshman was 2-for-2 with a run scored and a walk.
• Valparaiso's sixth inning scoring marked the 14^th time this season ISU has allowed four or more runs in an inning.

 
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