VALPARAISO, Ind. -  Indiana State (6-2-2) competed in its first MVC matchup of the of the 2024 season on Thursday evening where they defeated Valparaiso with a score of 1-0. Alex Lehnert led the way for the Sycamores, where she picked up her fourth collegiate goal. 

How it happened:
The Sycamores struck first in the 16th minute when Alex Lehnert connected on her fourth goal of the 2024 season. Lehnert's goal came off a Mackenzie Kent assist after Kent collected a long ball from Quinn and broke through Beacon defenders to place the ball toward the goal for Lehnert to find the back of the net. 

Indiana State led 1-0 after the first 45 minutes of play despite Valpo out-shooting the Sycamores 8-2. Lehnert led ISU in the first half with a goal and two shots on target. 

Valpo was unable to find the equalizer in Thursday evenings matchup despite tremendous pressure against the Sycamores and numerous shot attempts. 

Valpo out-shot the Sycamores 19-7 in the contest as each team had 3 corner kick attempts. Beacon keeper Wade had three saves in the match, while Alexander had six for ISU.

ISU had single-digit shots (7) for the third match this season, paced by Lehnert and Kent who combined for six of the seven shot attempts for the Sycamores. Caitlin Mullen also recorded an attempt on target for Indiana State in the victory. 

Maddie Alexander earned her sixth shutout in the 1-0 victory against Valparaiso which marks the seventh clean sheet for Indiana State in the 2024 season. The Battle Creek, Mich. native has 52 saves in the 2024 season, which marks 298 overall. Alexander has allowed only four goals scored this year in ten games of play, sitting at a .929 save percentage. 

Ashlyn Cohen had three shots with three on target on Thursday evening to lead the Beacons offense. 

News & Notes: 

• This win marks Indiana State's first time beating Valparaiso since the 2019 season, when ISU won 3-2 over the Beacons.
• Alex Lehnert picked up her fourth goal of the season, tied for first with Kent in most goals scored this season for ISU.
• Indiana State has seven shutouts in the 2024 season, three in a row from Alexander. 
• Second consecutive match that Indiana State has recorded a victory after being out-shot by opponents. 

Up Next:
The Sycamores continue conference play this weekend on the road with a contest against UIC on Sunday, September 22nd at 2 p.m ET. 

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