SPRINGFIELD, MO. – Indiana State softball saw its 2022 season come to a close at the MVC Tournament, falling 4-2 to Illinois State on Thursday afternoon at Killian Stadium.

The Sycamores jumped out to an early lead thanks to the bat of Bella Peterson who ripped her 10^th home run of the season over the wall in right center to put Indiana State up 1-0 after the first inning.

In the top of the second, the Trees loaded the bases with just one out after singles from Lexie Siwek and Abi Chipps and a Cassie Thomerson walk. Illinois State was able to escape without any damage to keep it a 1-0 game.

Indiana State starter Lexi Benko worked another scoreless inning in the second, picking up her second strikeout in the frame.

Abi Chipps made it a 2-0 game as she recorded an RBI single in the top of the fourth which scored Lexie Siwek who reached with a leadoff walk.

The Redbirds offense got going in the bottom half of the frame, striking for four runs in the inning. The first three batters reached to load the bases, setting up a base hit up the middle which tied the game at two apiece. With one out in the inning, Illinois State got another single up the middle which put the Redbirds ahead 4-2. Lexie Siwek made a pair of nice plays at third to limit further damage and end the inning.

In the top of the fifth, the Sycamores put runners on the corners with nobody out after Bella Peterson began the inning with her 21st double of the season. Annie Tokarek moved her to third with a single to left field. Illinois State was again able to strand the Sycamores, getting three straight groundouts to retire the side.

Lexi Benko set down the Redbirds in order in the bottom of the sixth to send the Sycamores to the plate for a chance at a rally.

Redbirds starter Amanda Fox was able to retire the Sycamores 1-2-3 to finish the game and advance Illinois State to the next round of the MVC Tournament.

The Sycamores finished the game with eight hits, led by Abi Chipps who went 3-for-3 and Bella Peterson who finished 2-for-4.

Indiana State closes the season at 25-27 while going 11-15 in conference play and now has a 31-37 all-time record in the MVC Tournament.

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.