TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State softball began MVC play with a 10-0 shutout victory over Valparaiso on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Price Field.
 
The Beacons put runners on second and third in the first inning but Lexi Benko and her defense got out of the jam to end what would be the only scoring threat for Valparaiso the entire game.
 
The Sycamore bats were on fire all afternoon, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first, including two on a double into left center from Lexie Siwek.
 
The Trees put three more on the board in the second inning, with Annie Tokarek, Bella Peterson and Amanda Guercio all driving in runs in the frame to put the Sycamores up 6-0.
 
In the bottom of the third inning following an RBI double down the right field line from Bella Peterson, Isabella Henning launched a three-run home run to right center to make it a 10-0 ballgame. It was the second home run of the year for Henning.

Lexie Siwek snagged a line drive to cap a 1-2-3 fifth inning for Benko and secure the victory for ISU.
 
The Sycamores finished the afternoon with 12 hits, including four multi-hit performances. Abi Chipps went 3-for-3 with a double as well as scoring a pair of runs. Bella Peterson and Lexie Siwek went 2-for-3, both driving in two runs. Amanda Guercio finished 2-for-2 including an RBI single. Olivia Patton scored two runs on the afternoon, going 1-for-2 while also reaching on a HBP. Cassie Thomerson singled in her only at-bat, a pinch-hit appearance in the fourth inning.
 
Lexi Benko went the distance, striking out two and allowing only one hit across five innings. The Beacons lone hit came on a bunt single in the first inning. Benko has now given up just one hit over her last 10 innings of work. She improves to 7-5 on the season.
 
Around The Horn
Indiana State has now won six straight contests over the Beacons.

The Sycamores offense raised their batting average to .275 on the season which is second best among MVC teams.
 
Lexie Siwek now has a five-game hitting streak while also going 9-for-13 during that stretch.
 
Isabella Henning recorded her third 3-RBI game of the season.
 
Bella Peterson picked up her team-best seventh stolen base on the year.
 
The Sycamores 12 hits are the second-most this season for ISU and the fifth double-digit output this season.
 
Indiana State now has four players with double-digit runs scored in 2022.
 
Up Next
The Sycamores and Beacons will finish their three-game series with a doubleheader beginning at noon on Sunday at Price Field.

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