April 24, 2010

Box Score

VALPARAISO, Ind. - Sophomore Alex Lagesse tossed a complete-game three hitter and struck out eight to help host Valparaiso (28-13, 8-3 Horizon) to a 4-0 victory over Loyola University Chicago (16-18, 6-7 Horizon) in game one of a doubleheader this afternoon at Valparaiso University Softball Field. Lagesse solved Loyola's high-powered offense, which had been averaging over 6 runs per game in the last 16 contests, as the Ramblers were shut out for the first time since March 27.

Loyola freshman sensation Brooke Andresen, who has had a sparkling rookie campaign, wasted no time in extending her hitting streak to a remarkable 20 games as she ripped a lead-off single to start the contest. The Ramblers let a golden scoring opportunity slip away in the top of the second when they failed to push a run across despite Angie Funston's lead-off triple.

Valparaiso gave Lagesse all the offense she would need when Joylyn Ichiyama stroked a three-run, bases-clearing double down the left field line in the bottom of the third and the Crusaders would tack on an insurance run in the sixth on Jessie Marinec's RBI single.

Lagesse was untouchable after Funston's second-inning double as no Rambler reached base until Stephanie Cihlar led off the seventh inning with a single. The righthander was able to squelch the Loyola rally as she retired the next three hitters, two via strikeout, to end the game.

Andresen, Cihlar and Funston each tallied a hit for Loyola. Funston scattered six hits and struck out a season-high seven batters in a complete-game effort.

Ichiyama and Sadie Connor recorded a pair of hits apiece to pace Valparaiso's offensive attack.