A big first inning for Idaho State proved too much for the Valpo softball team to overcome Sunday morning in its finale at the UNLV Rebel Classic, as the Beacons fell 9-1 to the Bengals.
 
How It Happened

• Batting as the visitors, Valpo struck without the benefit of a hit to open the scoring in the top of the first. Madison Vrastil (Oak Forest, Ill./Andrew) reached on an error to lead off the game and stole second before advancing the final 120 feet on back-to-back sacrifice bunts from Marissa Jackson (Willis, Mich./Huron) and Mack Gallagher (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East [MSU Moorhead]).
• Idaho State batted around in the bottom of the first, putting six runs on the board.
• The Beacons put a runner in scoring position in the third, fourth and fifth innings, but were unable to add to their score.
• The Bengals capped the scoring with three runs in the bottom of the fourth.

 
Inside the Game

• Gallagher extended her on-base streak to 13 consecutive games to open the season, drawing a walk in the third inning. Her seven-game hitting streak came to an end.
• Valpo was held to a season-low two hits: doubles from Azalya Lopez (Corona, Calif./Eleanor Roosevelt [MSU Moorhead]) and Lillian Martinez (Hemlock, Mich./Hemlock). Martinez's two-bagger was the first hit of her collegiate career.
• Vrastil's stolen base pushed her season total to 12-for-12, while the sophomore is now 29-for-29 for her career.

 
Next Up
Valpo (6-7) closes pre-conference action next weekend at the Lindenwood Invite. Five games over three days kicks off Friday afternoon against Green Bay and the host Lions.