area digest 4/10

Southeast softball splitsCHARLESTON, ILL. -- Southeast Missouri State University and host Eastern Illinois split an Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader Wednesday, the Otahkians losing the opener 1-0 and winning the finale 7-6.

The Otahkians are 8-19 overall and 4-3 in OVC play. The Panthers are 6-23 and 1-6.

Kristen Becker pitched a five-hit shutout in the opener to beat the Otahkians, who received a strong performance from Jessica Hunter. She allowed just six hits and one run, that coming in the first inning.

Southeast's offense came alive in the second game as Kelly Birk tripled twice and drove in four runs. Birk was also the winning pitcher, with Melissa Van Velkinburgh hurling two scoreless innings for the save.

Brooke Nett and Kemi Rampi both had three hits on the day for Southeast.

The Otahkians visit league-leading Tennessee Tech this weekend for a three-game series.