Final Stats

Contact: Jeff Sattora

CHICAGO- A 3-0 lead wasn't quite enough Thursday afternoon as the fourth-seeded Cleveland State Vikings' Horizon League tournament run came to a heartbreaking finish, falling to the third-seeded Valparaiso Crusaders 4-3 in eight innings at Flames Field in Chicago.

The loss concludes an impressive season for the CSU program, as a very young Cleveland State squad finished 2013 at 22-27 overall and 11-11 in Horizon League contests (including the tournament).

The game was a close battle all afternoon long, as both teams had chances to pull out the victory. CSU got in the scoring column first vs. the Crusaders, as the Vikings jumped out to a 3-0 lead before Valpo bounced back. CSU put its first run on the board from the workings of a dynamic duo that has led the way all season, Dara Toman and Erica McNew. Toman led the inning off with a triple to right field to put a runner in scoring position and McNew did the job bringing her home. The freshman catcher singled to right field to give CSU the 1-0 lead.

With a 1-0 score heading into the sixth CSU was able to pad its lead with two more runs stretching the score to 3-0. The sixth inning was similar to the fourth as both Toman and McNew teamed up to get things rolling for the Vikings. Toman once again led things off in the half inning with a hit, this time a double to left field. McNew then came through once again as she singled a second time to bring Toman around and make the count 2-0. Cynthia Woodard came up next for the Vikings and did her job, dropping a sacrifice bunt to move McNew over to second base. With Darien Ward pinch-running for McNew and Caila Ferro up to the plate CSU was able to add to its lead as a double to right center made it 3-0.

Even with a three run advantage going into the bottom of the sixth the Vikings weren't able to hold off a Valparaiso rally. Three Crusaders runs in the top of the sixth were able to get things right back to even. Valpo used a CSU error by second basemanCynthia Woodard and two hits, including a two-RBI double by Janelle Bouchard to put the score at 3-3 heading into the seventh.

Back-to-back walks helped lead to a bases loaded situation for CSU in the top of the seventh inning but they weren't able to take advantage, as nether team scored in the inning to send the game to extras. 

It turns out one extra inning was all that was needed as Valparaiso used a walk, sacrifice bunt, and walk-off single by Bouchard to center field to pull off the win. With the victory Valparaiso advances to the final of the double elimination Horizon League tournament's `Loser's bracket' where they will face the loser of this afternoon's Youngstown State vs. Wright State game with a birth in championship Saturday on the line.

Despite the defeat, multiple Vikings performed well on the afternoon to help keep the game tight. Toman and McNew each had two hits on the day, with Ferro and Rivera-Keahi each picking up one. McNew also added her two RBI's while Ferro pushed across one run of her own.

On the mound Cleveland State pitcher Susan Knight also shined in the defeat, pitching a complete game in the circle. The freshman allowed just five hits and four runs (one earned), while also striking out nine Valpo batters.

Although the year ended on a disappointing note for this group of Vikings, they battled hard all season long and this young squad only has bright days ahead.