April 1, 2003

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State softball team (6-15, 2-1) will challenge the Missouri Tigers (19-13) April 2. The doubleheader will begin at 3 p.m. at the Southeast Softball Complex.

The Otahkians are coming off of a two game win against Tennessee State in a three game series. Sophomore Kelly Birk is currently leading Southeast hitting .318 as the P/DP. She currently has 14 hits including three doubles, six runs, and five RBI. Junior Jessica Hunter is leading the pitching staff with 3.24 ERA and two wins in 41.2 innings.

As released by the OVC this week, the Otahkians are currently second in the OVC in batting. Birk is ranked 9th in the OVC for individual batting. Hunter is ranked 10th in pitching and junior Marie Coode is eighth in homeruns with two for the season.

The Missouri Tigers are currently 19-13 overall and 4-2 in the Big 12 Conference ranking 5th out of 10 schools. Junior Rachael McGinnis hit .354 with 22 runs, seven homeruns, and 20 RBI. Sophomore Erin Kelka has pitched 122.2 innings with a 2.23 ERA. Kelka has accumulated 11 wins. Coach Ty Singleton is in his first year as head coach for the Tigers.

The Otahkians will be on the road this weekend as they travel to Austin Peay for a three-game series. The Otahkians and the Lady Govs will play a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. and a single game at 1 p.m. at Clarksville, Tenn.