Box Score

                Ani Michl (Deerfield, Ill./Stevenson H.S.) scored twice and Sarah Jewell (Kansas City, Mo./Park Hill H.S.) added a pair of assists as Valparaiso wrapped up its non-conference slate with a 3-1 victory over Indiana State on Friday afternoon at Eastgate Field.

                 Michl got the scoring going just 13:48 into the contest dribbling in from midfield and firing a shot from the top of the penalty area into the upper right corner of the goal box for her first tally of the season.

                 The Crusaders would take the 1-0 lead into intermission while outshooting the Sycamores 5-4 in the opening 45 minutes.

                 Indiana State tied the match shortly into the second half as Sarah Tretter sent a cross into the penalty area that alluded both the Sycamore players as well as the Crusader defenders and found the corner of the goal at the 50:42 mark.

                 “I felt our intent was good today, but the execution in the second half was lacking,” head coach Stephen Anthony said.  “Our touch was off and it caused us to chase the game for a good part of the second half.”                 Jewell helped put the Crusaders in front sending a cross in from the right side that Jessie White (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Buffalo Grove H.S.) got a foot on and poked past goalkeeper Rachel Rudzis at the 68:39 mark.

                 Michl added an insurance goal with just 4:02 remaining in the match as she fired from 20 yards out and found the upper portion of the goal.  Jewell also earned an assist on the tally, giving her a multi-point night as well.  

                “I was pleased with the way we finished the game rebounding from giving up the goal,” Anthony added.  “It was good to see us rebound and score twice late in the match.”

                 Valpo finished the contest with a 13-8 edge in shots but the Sycamores held a 6-3 advantage in corner kick opportunities.  Rudzis made two saves for Indiana State (4-7) while Erin Murray (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley H.S.) made one stop in the win for the Crusaders.

                 “I am pleased with our non-conference performance,” concluded Anthony.  “I’m looking forward to getting started on Sunday with Horizon League play.  We have been talking about it and preparing for it so it will be good to finally get started.”

                 Valparaiso (6-4) will host Butler in the inaugural Horizon League match for the Crusaders on Sunday afternoon at Eastgate Field.  Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. with all the action being carried live on WVUR (95.1-FM, Valparaiso) and online at www.valpo.edu/athletics.