VALPARAISO, Ind. – Indiana State leaned on a dominant complete-game performance from Caylee Gaytan in the nightcap to earn a doubleheader split against Valparaiso on Saturday afternoon at the Valpo Softball Complex. After dropping the opener 5-2, the Sycamores bounced back with a 3-2 victory to move to 5-5 in Missouri Valley Conference play. 

In the series opener, the Sycamores wasted no time getting on the board. In the top of the first, Addie Burns laced an RBI single down the left-field line to drive home Morgan Goodrich for an early 1-0 lead. However, the Beacons responded in the bottom half of the frame with a three-run home run to take a lead they would not relinquish. Valparaiso added two insurance runs in the fourth inning on a two-RBI single to center. Indiana State attempted a late rally in the seventh as Claire Connelly drove in Sophie Esposito with a sacrifice fly, but the deficit proved too large. Lauren Sackett took the loss, while Valpo's Sydney McDermott earned the win. 

The Sycamores turned to Caylee Gaytan in the nightcap, and the right-hander delivered a gem. Gaytan went the distance, allowing just one run on four hits while keeping the Beacon offense off balance all afternoon. 

Indiana State began its comeback in the sixth inning when Sophie Esposito drove a single to left field to score Hannah Welch, cutting the deficit to 2-1. In the top of the seventh, the Sycamores took the lead for good. After Esposito reached base, Lauren Marsicek launched a two-run home run to center field, putting Indiana State ahead 3-2. Gaytan shut the door in the bottom of the seventh, inducing a lineout to center to secure the comeback victory. 

How They Scored 

Game 1 

• Indiana State: Addie Burns singled down the left-field line, RBI; Morgan Goodrich scored (1-0). 

• Valparaiso: Gallagher homered to left field, 3 RBI; Rodas and Vrastil scored (1-3). 

• Valparaiso: Vrastil singled to right-center, 2 RBI; Hollopeter and Young scored (1-5). 

• Indiana State: Claire Connelly flied out to center field, SF, RBI; Sophie Esposito scored (2-5). 

Game 2 

• Indiana State: Sophie Esposito singled to left field, RBI; Hannah Welch scored (1-0). 

• Valparaiso: Krug scored on a wild pitch (1-1). 

• Valparaiso: Young scored on a passed ball and a throwing error (1-2). 

• Indiana State: Lauren Marsicek homered to center field, 2 RBI; Sophie Esposito scored (3-2). 

News and Notes 

• Caylee Gaytan recorded her eighth complete game of the season in the nightcap, holding the Beacons to just two runs to earn her sixth win of the year. 

• Lauren Marsicek provided the heroics in Game 2 with a two-run home run in the seventh inning, her second long ball of the year. 

• Sophie Esposito finished the doubleheader strong, recording three hits and an RBI before scoring the game-winning run in the seventh. She also scored a run in the opener. 

• Addie Burns collected her 13th RBI of the season. 

Up Next 

Indiana State and Valparaiso will meet to finish the series tomorrow, Sunday, March 29. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at the Valpo Softball Complex. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+, with live stats available on GoSycamores.com. 

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