OTAHK SOFTBALL BEGINS 10-GAME FLORIDA TRIP

Southeast Missouri State University's softball team will be heading to Florida for a little sun and fun -- but mainly to win some games.

The Otahkians will begin play Sunday in the annual Rebel Spring Games in Orlando, Fla. The event attracts squads from across the nation who are looking to get in plenty of early-season games in a warm climate.

Southeast will have 10 games in five days before returning to Cape Girardeau late Friday night.

"We're looking forward to the trip," said Southeast coach Lana Richmond, whose squad is flying to Florida. "It should be a lot of good competition for us and we'll be able to get in quite a few games."

While Richmond figures the Otahkians will be able to enjoy themselves during the trip, their main purpose will be to improve on a 4-2 record they'll take to Florida.

"We need to have a consistent outing in every game," she said. "Our goal is to go to Florida and come back with nine victories."

Southeast will open the Rebel Spring Games with two contests Sunday, facing East Carolina and Colgate.

The Otahkians will also have two games Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. They will not play Wednesday.

Other opponents for Southeast during the trip will be Fordham, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Yale, Manhattan, Army, Liberty, Tennessee-Martin and Middle Tennessee.

Southeast is off to a strong start so far at the plate with a .315 team batting average.

Chris Shetley leads the way with a sizzling .571 mark, followed by Kim Palmer (.438), Erin Frazier (.429), Jenny Oermann (.400), Tami Hebert (.333) and Josie Earnest (.333).

In the pitching department, Debbie Schmelz is 3-1 while Christine Engelhardt is 1-1.