May 9, 2003

Box Score

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. --Eastern Kentucky had 16 hits to beat Southeast Missouri, 7-2, in the finals of the loser's bracket of the 2003 Ohio Valley Conference Softball Tournament, ending the Otahks season.

Southeast got its only two runs in the third inning as they chased EKU starter Jessica Soto from the game. Jamie Birk walked to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Kate Groden then singled in the infield, driving home Birk for her only RBI of the game. Kelly Birk then doubled to score Groden for the Otahks only two runs of the game.

Elise Burch had three hits to pace the Colonel attack, while Diana Barreras, Jen Christiansen, Amy Herrington, Jessica Soto and Ashley Totten each collected two hits. Soto started for EKU and worked the first 2 1/3 innings, giving way to Jonelle Csora for the final 4 2/3 innings. Csora (20-8) got the win, holding Southeast scoreless while allowing just two hits, walking two and striking out two.

EKU (29-17) scored in five of the first six innings off four Southeast pitchers. SEMO starter Kelly Birk (6-10) took the loss, pitching 2/3 of an inning and allowing two runs on three hits. Southeast Missouri closed the season with an 18-29 record.

The title game is at 2 p.m., pitting EKU against Tennessee Tech with a second game scheduled for 4:15 if EKU wins the first meeting.