VALPARAISO, Ind. – The UIC softball team (22-17, 9-1 HL) came away with its fourth series opener of the year when it shut out Valparaiso (19-11, 6-4 HL) Tuesday at the Valpo Softball Complex.
 
The Flames were credited with a double-digit hit total for the second-consecutive game as they put up 10 hits, led with two apiece from Skylee James, Jasmine Willis and Kayla Wedl. Of the team's 10 hits, two were home runs due to a two-run shot from Jennah Speth and a grand slam from James, marking the fourth multi-home run game of the season for UIC.
 
Elaine Heflin tossed her second consecutive and fourth overall complete-game shutout as she also reached a double-digit strikeout total for the second game in a row with 11. In seven innings, she limited the Crusaders to a mere two hits and walked three.
 
After having a runner reach base in two of the first three innings, the Flames were able to convert in the fourth to take a 2-0 lead. While Tiana Mack-Miller led off with a single, she was out on a double play before Willis singled with two outs and Speth swung at the first pitch and sent the ball over the fence in right center for her fourth homer of the year.
 
In the fifth, UIC loaded the bases as Taylor Cairns and Lexi Watts both singled and Mack-Miller drew a walk before James took a 2-1 count out to left field for her first-career grand slam and her first homer of the season to put the Flames out ahead 6-0.
 
UIC placed another pair in scoring position in the sixth as Savannah Soppet led off with a walk and then Wedl sent the ball to deep center for her sixth double of the year but both runners remained on base.
 
Two remained again in the seventh as James and Willis went back-to-back with singles, with Speth also reaching on a fielder's choice.
 
Valpo had left six runners on base over the course of the game, with the first being the only time it had two on at the same time off a hit by pitch and a single.
 
The Flames will round out the series Wednesday with a doubleheader at 1 p.m. CT.