Tiffania Guisti's (Coventry, R.I./Coventry H.S.) first career goal 6:07 into overtime lifted Valparaiso to a 2-1 victory over Indiana State in the season opener for both schools in Terre Haute, Ind. on Friday evening.

Giusti scored off of a corner from Laura Murphy (Aurora, Ill./Waubonsie Valley H.S.) to lift the Crusaders to their second straight season-opening victory. With the win, Valpo also improves to 5-2 all-time against the Sycamores.

Indiana State (0-1) jumped in front early as Lauren Podolski collected a rebound off a header from Rachel Gordon and found the back of the net just 5:58 into the season.

The Sycamores took the 1-0 advantage into intermission after outshooting the Brown and Gold 11-2 in the first 45 minutes.

Valpo tied the contest at 62:59 as freshman Sarah Jewell (Kansas City, Mo./Park Hill H.S.) found the back of the net for the first time in her collegiate career after collecting the ball in front of the goal area. Murphy also earned an assist on the Crusaders' first goal.

Despite trailing in shots 14-8, Valpo was able to force overtime where the sophomore delivered the match-winner for the Crusaders.

Erin Murray (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley H.S.) notched three saves, including one in overtime, to earn the win for the Brown and Gold while Rachel Rudzis made four stops in the loss for the Sycamores.

Valpo finished the match outshot by Indiana State 17-9 but held a 5-2 advantage in corner kick opportunities, the final one leading directly to the winning goal.

Valparaiso (1-0) will open the home portion of the 2006 season on Sunday afternoon against future Horizon League foe Loyola (Chicago). Kickoff is set for 3 p.m., with the match airing live on WVUR (95.1-FM, Valparaiso) and online at www.valpo.edu/athletics. Prior to the match, the 2005 Mid-Continent Conference championship team will be honored in a ring ceremony.