CLEVELAND, Ohio - Valparaiso used a three run first inning and held CSU off the scoreboard despite several scoring chances to defeat the Vikings, 5-0, in the series finale on Saturday afternoon at Viking Field.

The game was delayed by 42 minutes as heavy rains rolled through the area after the intitial meeting at home plate between the coaches and umpires. 

After the delay, the Crusaders scored three runs in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead.

CSU had a chance to slice into the lead in the second inning, loading the bases with one out, but a fielder's choice force out at home plate and ground out ended the rally.

Valpo added an unearned run in the third on a CSU error to push the lead to 4-0.

The Vikings put runners on the corners with two outs in the sixth, but once again were unable to push a run across the board. A leadoff homer in the seventh by Sam Stewart gave the Crusaders a 5-0 lead and proved to the be the final run of the contest.

Riley Ries finished 2-for-3 to lead the CSU offense, while Hanna Breeden, Mackenzie Joecken, Mel Woodard and Bailee Gray all had one hit.

Kristin Catalano worked five innings of relief, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits with two strikeouts.

Alicia Major worked the final inning, striking out four Crusaders in the seventh.

CSU is back in action next weekend (April 21-22) when the Vikings travel to Northern Kentucky for a three-game League series.