April 23, 2003

Box Score

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State softball team (12-23, 8-6) survived 11 innings today against the Eastern Illinois Panthers (9-29, 4-10). The Otahkians gave it their all and defeated Eastern Illinois 6-5.

It was a beautiful day for softball at the Southeast Softball Complex. The game was not so beautiful with a total of eight errors between the teams but it was nonetheless thrilling. No scores were made until the Panthers scored on an error in the fourth inning. The Otahkians answered back with a score after junior Amy Murphy was hit by a pitch while the bases were loaded.

Southeast started the fifth inning with junior Marie Coode getting hit by a pitch. Later a hit by senior Brooke Nett brought Coode home. The Panthers came back strong in the sixth bringing in three additional runs as well as a single run in the top of the fifth bringing the score to 5-3, EIU.

In the bottom of the seventh Southeast mustered up all they had and brought in three runs tying the game at 5-5. Junior Jamie Birk singled to left field. Senior Alicia Loucks doubled to center field advancing Birk to third. Freshman Kate Groden doubled advancing Loucks to third and bringing in Birk. Nett doubled to center field bringing in both Groden and Loucks.

The Otakians and Panthers went through the eighth, ninth, and tenth innings with out budging either score. Finally in the bottom of the 11th inning Southeast was able to add a run and take the victory. Coode was placed on second. Jamie Birk reached on an error and Coode advanced to third. Later Groden walked advancing Birk to second. Nett reached first on a fielder's choice taking out Groden at home. With the bases still loaded Birk advanced home on a wild pitch clinching the victory.

Freshman Melissa Van Velkinburgh pitched 4.2 innings taking the victory to improve her record to 2-7. Panther's pitcher Becker pitched all 10.2 innings taking the loss. Otahkian Kate Groden had an impressive three hits, two runs, and one RBI.

The Otahkians will be home again this Saturday at 1 p.m. to take on Tennessee-Martin. The doubleheader will be at the Southeast Softball complex.