Canfield, Ohio -- UIC scored three runs in the top of the seventh to break a 2-2 tie and lift the Flames to a 5-2 victory in game one of a doubleheader sweep over the Youngstown State softball team (5-17, 2-5 Horizon League). The Guins lost the nightcap, 7-2.

    UIC improves to 15-21 overall and 6-1 in the Horizon League.

    Youngstown State jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning after back-to-back doubles by seniors McKenzie Bedra and Jamie Fornal, who went 2-for-3 in each game.

    UIC pitcher Sarah Clynes allowed just two more hits the rest of the way and struck seven.

    In the nightcap, UIC scored three runs in the top of the first inning and one in the top of the third to jump ahead, 4-0.

    Back-to-back doubles by freshman Rochelle Vanyi and sophomore Kristin Bair cut the deficit to 4-1 after three innings.

    Fornal belted a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth frame to bring the Guins within two, 4-2, but UIC answered with three more run in the top of the fifth to seal the win.

    YSU and UIC close out the series with a single game, Sunday, at 1 p.m.