INDIANAPOLIS – The IUPUI softball team shutout the Cleveland State Vikings to earn the Horizon League victory in the Jags' home opener on Friday afternoon, 7-0. Sophomore Alexa Holman recorded the complete game win in the circle for IUPUI.
 
"We came out attacking straight away in inning one," said head coach Elisabeth Beirne. "The team played great defense behind Alexa Holman, who did an excellent job of attacking batters. It was a great way to start conference and we just need to keep fighting every game."
 
IUPUI took an early lead in the first inning with three runs on one hit and three Cleveland State errors. Rachael Gregory led things off for the Jags with a walk. Paige McPhearson reached on an error by the Vikings' second baseman, putting runners at first and second.
 
With two outs, Kennedy Cowan singled through the right side to advance the runners. Gregory rushed home on the play and scored after the Vikings' catcher dropped the ball. With runners now at second and third, Alexa Holman also reached on an error which scored both McPhearson and Cowan to give the Jags' a 3-0 lead.
 
In the bottom of the second inning, Isabelle Waggner singled up the middle. After a sac bunt from Kelli Riordan and a stolen base, Waggner was on third with two outs. Kendal Calvert laid down a bunt single to score Waggner and extend IUPUI's lead to 4-0.
 
The Vikings threatened in the top of the fourth, loading the bases with no outs. Holman won the battle at the plate against Haley West, earning the strikeout. Then the Jags turned a double play to get out of the inning.
 
IUPUI scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning on three hits. Calvert and McPhearson knocked back-to-back singles to start the inning off. After a wild pitch scored Calvert, Cowan singled up the middle to score McPhearson, giving the Jags' a 6-0 lead.  
 
The Jags added one more in the sixth inning when Riordan scored on a ground out by Calvert, 7-0.
 
Cleveland State put a runners on first and second with one out in the top of the seventh but the Jags' held the Vikings scoreless with a double play.
 
Cowan led the offense going 3-for-3 with two RBI while Calvert went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Gregory, McPhearson, Waggner and Riordan all recorded one hit each. Holman earned the shutout with two strikeouts in seven innings pitched.
 
The Jaguars and Vikings will be back in action tomorrow for a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 1:00 PM.