May 1, 2003

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State softball team (14-25, 10-7) will head to Richmond, Ky. this weekend to play an important series against Eastern Kentucky (25-15, 11-6). There will be a doubleheader on Saturday and a single game on Sunday beginning at 12 p.m. on both days.

Southeast is coming off an important doubleheader win against Tennessee-Martin last weekend. The Otahkians need two wins against EKU for a three-way tie for 2nd place in the conference. Southeast would have the tiebreaker over EKU and UTM for the 2nd seed for the OVC tournament.

Currently sophomore Kelly Birk is currently leading the Otahkians hitting .330 with 32 hits including five doubles, two triples, and one home run. Birk has scored 10 runs for Southeast and is credited with 19 RBI. Junior Jessica Hunter is leading the staff with a 3.34 ERA after winning five games. She has three shutouts and 34 strikeouts in 91.2 innings pitched for Southeast.

EKU is currently on a six OVC game winning streak. Junior Jennifer Christiansen is leading the team batting .333 with 37 hits including 2 doubles. She has scored 17 times and has been credited with 19 RBI. Senior Jonelle Csora is leading the staff with a 2.01 ERA and has accumulated 17 wins. She has six shutouts and 195 strikeouts in 164.0 innings pitched.

Next the Otahkians will head to the OVC Tournament starting May 8, in Cookville, Tenn.