Gamecocks eliminate Redhawks from postseason contention

Jacksonville State put an end to Southeast Missouri State's hopes of qualifying for the Ohio Valley Conference softball tournament.

The Gamecocks, who entered the three-game series in Cape Girardeau already having clinched the OVC regular-season title, swept Saturday's doubleheader 7-0 and 6-3.

Southeast (24-27, 11-15) dipped into eighth place in the 10-team OVC. Only the top six finishers make the conference tournament.

The Redhawks can no longer mathematically wind up among the top six.

JSU (34-14, 21-4) freshman pitcher Ashley Eliasson nearly fired a perfect game in Saturday's 7-0 opener.

Eliasson was within one out of the gem when Southeast's Megan McDonald singled with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Eliasson settled for the one-hitter as she faced only one batter above the minimum. She struck out four.

Elaine Fisher took the loss, allowing five runs, four earned, and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings. JSU led 5-0 after three innings.

Southeast was a bit more competitive in the 6-3 nightcap, leading 1-0 after one inning. But JSU went ahead for good with a three-run second and led 5-1 after three innings.

The Redhawks had seven hits, led by Alex Ramirez and Allie Borowiak with two apiece.

Fisher (19-19) again was tagged with the loss, allowing five runs and seven hits in three innings.

Southeast ends its season with today's 1 p.m. series finale.

It will be senior day at the Southeast Softball Complex as McDonald, Fisher, Michelle Summers, Katie Otterness and Lindsey Woodworth are recognized before the contest.