Winless Valparaiso Seeks First Victory Against Indiana State in MVC Opener TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (Interstat) — The Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball schedule opens Thursday with a matchup of struggling teams as the winless Valparaiso Beacons visit the Indiana State Sycamores at Hulman Center. Valparaiso (0-13) enters 2026 still searching for its first win after a difficult non-conference slate. The Beacons are coming off an 86-52 home loss to Northern Iowa on Monday. Kamryn Winch led Valparaiso in that defeat with nine rebounds and two blocks. The forward has been a bright spot, averaging 7.8 points and 4.8 rebounds over her last five games. Indiana State (4-8) has also faced recent challenges, dropping its last four contests. The Sycamores fell 105-64 at Illinois State on Monday. Guard Da’Naria Washington, who scored 12 points in that game, has been a consistent presence, averaging 32 minutes per game over the recent skid. The game represents a critical opportunity for both squads to reset in conference play. Valparaiso’s offense has been anemic, failing to reach 55 points in nine of its 13 losses. Indiana State’s defense, however, has allowed an average of 101.5 points in its last two games. History will be on the line for the Beacons, who hope to avoid extending the program’s worst start in recent memory. The Sycamores aim to protect their home floor and build momentum before a two-game road trip. The teams will meet again in Valparaiso on Jan. 29.