BASEBALL, GYMNASTICS TEAMS SET FOR IMPORTANT CONTESTS

Despite all the recent bad weather, Southeast Missouri State University's baseball Indians are planning to play today's Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader against Eastern Kentucky.

The twin bill is scheduled to get under way at 1 p.m. at Capaha Field. The teams will also have a 1 p.m. single game Sunday.

"We're going to make every effort to get the games in and, as long as it doesn't rain (today), we should be in pretty good shape," said Southeast coach Mark Hogan.

The Indians are 9-9 overall and 3-3 in OVC play, which ties them for third in the nine-team league. EKU is 1-2 in the OVC, good for seventh place.

Tennessee Tech leads the league at 5-1 while Eastern Illinois is 2-1. Southeast, Austin Peay, Morehead State and Murray State are all tied for third at 3-3.

"All conference games are important and the ones at home are especially big," said Hogan.

Gymnasts at league meet

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Southeast's women's gymnastics squad will close out the regular season tonight by competing in the four-team Midwest Independent Championships hosted by Illinois-Chicago.

Also in the meet, set for a 7 o'clock start, are Illinois State and Winona State.

The Otahkians are still trying to make a push to qualify as a team and also some individuals for the Central Regional Meet set for April 4.

Southeast's Erin Chenier and Malia Roberts will attempt to boost their status in the regional rankings. Both currently rank among the top all-arounders in the Central Region.

The Otahkians, defending champions of the Midwest Independent Championships, have already defeated both Illinois-Chicago and Illinois State this season.

Softball concludes trip

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Southeast's softball team wrapped up the Rebel Spring Games here Friday with an 8-0 win over Liberty.

The Otahkians' earlier contest against Middle-Tennessee was canceled as they went 6-1 on the road trip. Overall, Southeast stands at 10-3.

"I thought the team hit he ball extremely well and played good defense," said Southeast coach Lana Richmond.

Josie Earnest ripped two hits, one being a solo home run, and totaled three RBIs in the win over Liberty. Teammates Kim Palmer, Jenny Oermann and Michelle Frank also had two hits.

Debbie Schmelz pitched four innings for the victory, allowing only one hits and striking out three. Christine Engelhardt and Melissa Thornton both pitched a scoreless inning of relief.

Southeast returns home for a doubleheader at 2 p.m. Monday against Northwestern.