BRIEFLY: SEMO SOFTBALL BEGINS SIU TOURNAMENT WITH TWO WINS

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southeast Missouri State University's softball team won both its games Friday as the Southern Illinois University Tournament got under way.

The Otahkians beat Northern Iowa 1-0 behind the shutout pitching of Debbie Schmelz and downed St. Louis 7-4 as Sara Reichert notched the victory.

In the win over St. Louis, Kendra Williams went 4-for-4 with three RBIs while Tami Hebert had three hits and Chris Shetley and Michelle Frank both added two.

Kim Palmer had two hits in the win over Northern Iowa.

Southeast, 4-10-1 on the season, will play host SIU at 11 a.m. today. The championship round will begin at 1 p.m.