VALPARAISO, Ind. – Indiana State utilized a balanced offensive attack and a strong combined effort in the circle to secure a 5-4 victory over Valparaiso on Sunday afternoon at the Valpo Softball Complex. With the win, the Sycamores claimed the weekend series and moved to 17-16 overall and 6-5 in Missouri Valley Conference play. 

Indiana State jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. After Morgan Goodrich drew a leadoff walk and moved to third, Hannah Welch delivered a two-out RBI double to left-center to put the Sycamores ahead 1-0. 

Valparaiso took the lead in the second inning on a two-run double, but the Sycamores regained control in the sixth. Emi Jeras delivered a clutch two-RBI single to center to put ISU back on top, and Sophie Esposito immediately followed with a two-run home run to center field to extend the lead to 5-2. 

The Beacons mounted a late comeback attempt in the bottom of the seventh, scoring two runs to pull within one. With the tying run on base, Lauren Sackett entered in relief to shut the door and secure the victory. Caylee Gaytan earned the win, while Sackett was credited with her first save of the season. 

How They Scored 

• Indiana State: Hannah Welch doubled to left-center, RBI; Morgan Goodrich scored (1-0). 

• Valparaiso: Lopez doubled to center field, 2 RBI; Jackson and Gallagher scored (1-2). 

• Indiana State: Emi Jeras singled to left-center, 2 RBI; Bella Pusateri and Hannah Welch scored (3-2). 

• Indiana State: Sophie Esposito homered to center field, 2 RBI; Emi Jeras scored (5-2). 

• Valparaiso: Vrastil singled to third base, RBI; Tellez scored (5-3). 

• Valparaiso: Krug flied out to right field, SF, RBI; Lopez scored (5-4). 

News and Notes 

• Caylee Gaytan picked up her second win of the weekend. 

• Lauren Sackett recorded her first save of the 2026 season, entering in the seventh inning to record the final two outs. 

• Sophie Esposito provided the eventual game-winning runs with a two-run home run in the sixth, her first of the season. 

• Emi Jeras came through with a go-ahead two-RBI single in the sixth inning. 

• Hannah Welch finished the day with an RBI double and a run scored. 

Up Next 

Indiana State returns to Price Field for a midweek non-conference clash against Eastern Illinois on Tuesday, March 31. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET, with live stats available on GoSycamores.com. 

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