TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State kicked off Saturday's doubleheader with a 2-0 win in Game One, led by a complete-game shutout from senior Hailey Griffin and a crucial two-RBI double from Livi Colip. The Sycamores carried that momentum into Game Two, rallying for a 3-1 victory, highlighted by solid pitching from Cassi Newbanks and key hits, including a two-run triple from Lauren Marsicek, to secure the series win.
Game One: Indiana State 2, UIC 0
Indiana State claimed a 2-0 victory over UIC in game one on Saturday afternoon, fueled by a fifth-inning spark from senior Livi Colip, who delivered a clutch 2-RBI double to plate the only two runs of the game.
Senior Hailey Griffin (9-7) earned the win in the circle for the Sycamores, tossing a complete game gem. She allowed just three hits, no runs, and struck out four in the shutout effort.
The Sycamores recorded eight hits in the win, with Peyton Simmons leading the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 game. Kenzie Cornwell added a 2-for-3 performance, while Sophie Esposito, Lauren Marsicek, and Livi Colip each chipped in a hit against UIC starter Whorley.
Indiana State's offense ignited in the fifth, starting with back-to-back singles from Simmons and Cornwell. Marsicek followed with an infield single to load the bases, setting the stage for Colip, who roped a two-run double down the left field line to put the Sycamores ahead 2-0.
The Sycamores defense and pitching held strong as they quickly retired UIC in the sixth and seventh innings. Indiana State went three up, three down in both frames, including a crucial strikeout and a pair of groundouts, to seal the 2-0 victory and take game one of the series.
Game Two: Indiana State 3, UIC 1
UIC struck first in the top of the second inning to take a 1-0 lead over Indiana State. After a leadoff single down the right field line by Stickney and a walk to Santiago, the Flames moved runners into scoring position on a groundout.
With two outs, Pesare reached on an error, allowing Stickney to come home for the game's first run. The Sycamores limited the damage, but UIC carried a 1-0 advantage into the bottom half of the inning.
Indiana State threatened in the bottom of the second but couldn't push a run across. Sophie Esposito singled to right field to start the rally, and Luci Kapelka followed with a walk. After a fielder's choice put runners on first and second, Peyton Simmons drew a walk to load the bases with two outs.
However, the Sycamores came up empty as the inning ended with a strikeout, leaving the bases loaded.
UIC had a quiet top of the third, with a key defensive play from Sophie Esposito and Isabelle Saylor to get the second out. Cowing led off with a single to right center, but the Sycamores quickly bounced back.
After a fielder's choice from Caskey, Esposito and Saylor combined for a force out at second, and Ortiz followed with another fielder's choice. Stickney then grounded out to the pitcher to close out the inning, stranding a UIC runner.
Another big defensive play from the Sycamores in the top of the fourth inning kept the Flames off the bases. Santiago doubled down the right field line but was thrown out at third on a relay from Kenzie Cornwell to Sophie Esposito to Lauren Marsicek.
Indiana State broke through in the bottom of the fifth. Morgan Goodrich drew a walk and Kenzie Cornwell singled, setting the table for Lauren Marsicek, who delivered a two-run triple to center field. The Sycamores surged ahead with a 2-1 lead.
The Sycamores added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth as Hannah Welch singled and later scored on a bases-loaded infield single by Morgan Goodrich, extending Indiana State's lead to 3-1.
UIC threatened in the seventh, loading the bases with one out, but Indiana State's defense came through. The Sycamores cut down the lead runner at home and recorded the final out to seal the 3-1 victory and the series win.
Cassi Newbanks (5-6) earned the win for Indiana State, tossing six strong innings. She allowed just four hits, one run, walked two, and struck out two in the victory.
Lauren Sackett came on in relief to secure the save, working the final inning while allowing one hit and one walk but keeping UIC off the board to lock down the Sycamores' 3-1 victory.
Up Next: Game Three against UIC is set for tomorrow at noon, with Alumni Day festivities beginning at 11:45 a.m., prior to the game.
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