CHICAGO, Ill. - Cleveland State closed its opening weekend of Horizon League play with a 9-1 setback at preseason favorite UIC on Saturday afternoon.

The Vikings scored their lone run of the game after loading the bases in the fourth inning and Mel Woodard scoring on an RBI groundout from Mackenzie Joecken.

Woodard and Riley Ries each had a hit for the Vikings.

UIC used a quick start with three runs in the first inning and three more in the second to take a quick lead.

CSU is back in action on Tuesday (March 25) when the Vikings travel to Akron for a doubleheader. The first game is scheduled for 3:00 pm.