Anticipated Valley match lives up to hype

WSOC: Valparaiso and Missouri State battle to 0-0 draw

VALPARAISO - Nikki Coryell has played in enough Missouri Valley Conference matches that she knew what to expect when the top two teams in the league met at Brown Field on Thursday night.

Valparaiso hosted Missouri State in a highly-anticipated battle between the two programs that lifted trophies last season. The Beacons won the regular-season title while the Bears won the Valley tournament. Missouri State was picked as the preseason favorite this year with Valpo slotted to finish second.

After 90 minutes of intense action, the two sides walked off the field with a scoreless 0-0 tie.