MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Indiana State softball opened play at the Blues City Invitational on Friday with two victories at the Tigers Softball Complex, defeating Morehead State, 5-0, before edging Northern Illinois, 3-2.

The Sycamores improved to 8-5 on the season behind strong pitching performances and timely hitting in both contests.

Lauren Sackett delivered a complete-game shutout in the opener, scattering four hits across 7.0 innings while striking out eight. The senior worked around one walk and allowed just one runner to advance past second base, earning her fourth win of the season.

Indiana State struck first in the opening inning. Morgan Goodrich singled, stole second and later scored on a wild pitch to give the Sycamores an early 1-0 advantage.

The Sycamores added insurance in the fifth inning. Lauren Marsicek singled and stole second before Goodrich reached on an infield hit and swiped another base. A Morehead State error allowed Marsicek to score, and Mallory Chavez drove in Goodrich on a fielder's choice to stretch the lead to 3-0.

Hannah Welch provided a key swing in the sixth, launching a solo home run to deep left field. Chavez added an RBI double in the seventh to plate Goodrich and cap the scoring.

Goodrich finished 2-for-2 with three runs scored and two stolen bases, while Chavez recorded two hits and two RBI. Indiana State totaled seven hits and drew four walks in the victory.

The Sycamores followed with a hard-fought win over Northern Illinois, using a late offensive push and steady pitching from freshman Caylee Gaytan.

After trailing 1-0 through four innings, Indiana State capitalized on defensive miscues in the fifth to tie the game. The Sycamores then took control in the sixth. Welch sparked the rally with a solo home run to right field to give ISU a 2-1 lead. Later in the inning, Addie Burns delivered an RBI single up the middle to score Bella Pusateri and extend the advantage to 3-1.

Gaytan kept Northern Illinois in check for much of the afternoon, working through traffic and limiting damage across 7.0 innings. The Huskies plated a solo home run in the seventh, but Gaytan closed the door to secure the 3-2 victory.

Welch accounted for two of Indiana State's three runs in the game with her home run, while the Sycamores capitalized on three NIU errors to manufacture scoring opportunities.

Notes

• Indiana State improved to 8-5 on the season with the two wins.

• Welch homered in both games on Friday.

• Goodrich scored three runs in the opener and stole two bases.

• Gaytan earned the complete-game victory in game two, continuing her strong freshman campaign in the circle.

Indiana State continues tournament play in Memphis tomorrow against Morehead State again.

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