Valparaiso Takes Game 1 of the Horizon League Championship

CLEVELAND - In Game 1 of the 2010 Horizon League Softball Championship, No. 4 seed Valparaiso (33-19) claimed victory over No. 5 seed Green Bay (26-19), 4-0.  The Crusaders advance to Game 3 where they will meet No. 1 seed Cleveland State.  Green Bay moves on to Friday's Game 6, awaiting the loser of Game 4.

Valparaiso's Sadie Conner got things started with a two-run jack in the bottom of the first inning, giving the Crusaders and early 2-0 lead.  In the very next inning, teammate Tori Brown knocked a solo shot to left field, bringing the Crusader advantage to 3-0.

After three scoreless innings, Valpo catcher Lisa DeBruzzi hit an RBI double to right center, driving in the insurance run in freshman Haley Bridwell.  DeBruzzi was the only player to record more than one hit on the game, going 2-for-3.

Crusader pitcher Alex Lagesse threw a complete-game shutout, allowing a mere five hits and striking out seven batters.

Game 2 of the Horizon League Championship features No. 3 seed UIC and No. 6 seed Butler.  The winner will advance on to play No. 2 seed Wright State in Game 4.