BRIEFLY: OTAHKIAN SOFTBALL TEAM BEGINS OVC PLAY TODAY

The Southeast Missouri State softball team opens its OVC schedule today when it visits Austin Peay for a doubleheader.

The Otahkians will be seeking their sixth straight OVC title and have been picked to do so in a preseason coach's poll. They carry an 8-12 record into today's games.

"I feel like we've played quality non-conference opponents that should have prepared us for the OVC season," said Southeast coach Lana Richmond. "Our freshmen players have been playing really well. We just need to get our veteran players going and I think we will again have a contending team."