April 17, 2003

CAPE GIRARDEAU,Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State softball team (9-22, 5-5) will play host to Morehead State (6-24, 3-6) this weekend for a three game series. The doubleheader will be this Friday starting at 1 p.m. and the final game will be Saturday at 12 p.m. at the Southeast Softball Complex.

The Otahkians are coming off a loss to the SMS Bears earlier this week. The Otahks were only able to get two hits off SMS pitcher Buslepp who pitched all five innings before they took advantage of the eight-run rule. Sophomore Kelly Birk and junior Alana Bagby-Leonard managed to get a hit off Buslepp but no runs could be scored by Southeast.

Sophomore Kelly Birk is leading the offense hitting .306 with 22 hits, 13 RBI, and eight runs. Senior Brooke Nett is close behind hitting .299 with 26 hits, 14 RBI, and 12 runs. Junior Jessica Hunter is leading the pitching staff with a 3.48 ERA with four wins and 27 strikeouts in 64.2 innings pitched.

Morehead State is coming off a three game loss last weekend to Tennessee-Martin. Toni Orr is leading the offense hitting .316 with 25 hits, 15 RBI, and eight runs. Stephanie Hornand is leading their pitching staff with a 3.66 ERA after pitching 74.2 innings. Morehead is coached by Jennifer VanSickle.

Next, the Otahkians will remain home next week as they host Eastern Illinois on Wednesday, April 23. The doubleheader will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Southeast Softball Complex.