March 28, 2003

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State Softball team (4-14) will open up their conference season this weekend against Tennessee State (5-17). There will be a doubleheader on Saturday and one game on Sunday, starting at 1 p.m. both days at the Southeast Softball Complex.

The Otahkians are healthy despite a few bumps and bruises and should start off the conference season well. It will be very important to get the pitching staff back their confidence to do well during the conference season.

"It is a whole new season," said coach Lana Richmond. "What matters is conference play. We are looking to start a new slate beginning the conference season at home this weekend."

Junior Alana Bagby-Leonard is leading the Otahks offensively batting .327 including 16 hits, one homer, and eight RBI. Junior Amy Murphy is also strong offensively batting .316 including 18 hits and 10 runs. Junior Jessica Hunter has pitched over 30 innings with a 4.09 era.

The Tennessee State Tigers have already begun their conference season and are currently 2-3 in the OVC with wins to Tennessee-Martin and Tennessee-Tech. Angeia Huebner is leading the Tigers batting .356 including 21 hits, 11 RBI, 5 homeruns, and 12 runs. Alana Thomas is leading the pitching staff with over 30 innings pitched with a 1.71 era.

The Otahkians will be home again on Wednesday, April 2 to play host to Missouri. The doubleheader will begin at 3 p.m. at the Southeast Softball Complex.