March 6, 2003

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State Softball team will play host to the Southeast Softball Classic Tournament this weekend. Drake (11-4), Lipscomb (9-3), Middle Tennessee (6-5), Siena (0-0), and Southwest Missouri (5-6) will all be joining Southeast (1-3) on March 7-9 at the Southeast Softball Complex.

The Otahkians season started off with a tournament being cancelled at Austin Peay due to poor weather. The Otahks were left fighting against continuing unpleasant weather for playing time. Southeast started strong with their first game of the season at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. The Otahkians defeated the Bisons 6-0. Sophomore Kelly Birk pitched a 2 hit complete game for Southeast's first victory of the season. The Otahkians fell short in the second game losing 6-5. The Otahkians and the Purple Aces of Evansville headed up the next day but left Southeast with two more loses; 3-1, 6-0.

Drake has already won 11 of 15 games played this season. Junior Katie Shimon has an impressive .625 batting average as well as a 5-0 winning record in pitching for the Bulldogs. Lipscomb has won nine of 12 games played. Watch out for sophomore Jennifer Cannon who has already launched three homeruns for the season.

The Middle Tennessee Lady Raiders have started off their season with a 6-5 record. Junior Courtney Mitchell is leading their offense with eleven runs, two homeruns, and six runs brought in. Siena will be opening up their season at the tournament coming off a 12-26 season. Southwest Missouri has won five of 11 games played this season. Senior Staci Wattie bats an impressive .400, two homeruns, and has brought in 10 runs.

"The weather forecast is cooperating for dry warm conditions," said Southeast head coach Lana Richmond. "This will give a great opportunity to watch some top Division I softball play this weekend."

The Otahkians will play next at the Winthrop Tournament in Rock Hill, S.C. March 14-16. The tournament includes, Akron, Indiana State, Pittsburgh, Toledo, and UNC-Greensboro.