Box Score SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State plated a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth to snag a 4-3 come-from-behind victory over visiting UIC here Thursday in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both squads and MSU's season home opener.

The Bears capitalized on a dropped fly ball with two outs in their final at-bat to secure the win. After a leadoff walk to Brynn Romine, a sacrifice bunt by Kenzie Derryberry moved her into scoring position. No. 9 hitter Emily Gerardy then delivered with a single to left to put runners on the corners. Gerarday stole second to put the go-ahead run in scoring position before UIC starter Jasmine Whorley fanned Kayla Urich for the second out. However, Halle Studer's deep fly ball to right center was mishandled moments later, allowing the tying and go-ahead runs to cross the plate for MoState (2-19, 1-0 MVC) and ultimately secure the win.

McKenzie Vaughan (2-5) pitched a 1-2-3 seventh in the circle to pick up the victory in relief of starter Makenzi Swick who allowed just one earned run in 5.1 innings of work.

The teams did much of their scoring early with UIC scattering three singles to take a 1-0 lead in the first before Missouri State gained a 2-1 advantage in the bottom of the first behind RBI singles from Riley Baber and Aubrey Johansen.

UIC tied the game on a sac fly by Sequoia Sanchez in the third and then capitalized on two Missouri State errors in the top of the sixth to take a 3-2 lead.

Sidney McLaughlin and Gerardy had two hits apiece to lead Missouri State, which out-hit UIC 9-7. Sanchez and Dee Dee Caskey each contributed two hits for the Flames (4-20, 0-1 MVC)

The victory was MSU's first since Feb. 14 but gave the Bears a 1-0 start at home and in conference play.

The teams will continue their three-game series Friday at 12 noon at Meador Park before concluding the set on Saturday at 11 a.m. Admission is free for all home contests.