E. Kentucky tops Otahkians in OVC doubleheader sweep

Southeast Missouri State University's softball team began the Ohio Valley Conference season Saturday with a pair of one-run losses to visiting Eastern Kentucky.

The Colonels (14-7, 2-0 OVC) defeated the Otahkians (3-12, 0-2) 3-2 in the opener and 2-1 in the second game.

Pitching was the story for the Colonels as their two hurlers limited the Otahkians to just eight hits on the day.

Jonelle Csora pitched a five-hitter in the opener, with 12 strikeouts. Jessica Soto fired a three-hitter in the second game, with 10 strikeouts.

Southeast's pitching was also solid but Eastern was able to do just enough damage offensively, building early leads in both games and then holding on. The Otahkians used three hurlers on the day. Kristen King, who did not figure into either decision, worked in each contest and hurled six shutout innings.

"EKU executed at the plate when they needed to. They also played solid defensively and had great pitching," Southeast coach Lana Richmond said. "I thought we had strong pitching, too."

Otahkian shortstop Dawn Piantino got her second home run of the season in the opener. She and Brooke Nett both had two hits in that contest.

Elise Burch had two hits in each game for the Colonels, who had 16 hits on the day.

The squads will close out their three-game series at 1 p.m. today.

Golfers host tournament

Southeast's golf team will host a four-ball tournament today and Monday at Kimbeland Country Club in Jackson, Mo.

The Dr. Morton B. Harris Memorial Tournament, named after a member of the school's 1943 NAIA national championship basketball team, will feature 54 holes. Action begins at 1 p.m. today and 8 a.m. Monday.

"Dr. Harris' son, Steve, played golf for me in the early 1970s and he's going to hit the opening tee shot to get the tournament started," Southeast coach Carroll Williams said.

The unusual format will have each team enter three two-man groups of golfers. Individual medal scoring will also be kept for every player.

Joining Southeast in the field will be Bradley, Eastern Illinois, St. Louis and Missouri-Kansas City.

"Four-ball is something the players don't see very often," Williams said. "We're just trying to do something a little bit different."

-- From staff reports