Otahkians beat showers, Indiana State for first win

Southeast Missouri State University's softball team picked up its first victory of the season just in time.

That's because Monday's 6-2 triumph over visiting Indiana State allowed the Otahkians (1-6) to avoid losing seven games in a row for the first time in the program's history.

"Hopefully we can build on this," Southeast coach Lana Richmond said.

The Otahkians missed a chance to make it two in a row as the second game of Monday's scheduled doubleheader was rained out after Southeast led 4-2 in the bottom of the first inning.

Southeast received a strong pitching performance from freshman Rachel Van Fleet (1-1), who went all seven innings. She allowed six hits, with one strikeout and three walks.

"The defense played good behind me and we hit the ball," Van Fleet said. "Getting a cushion really helped."

After the Sycamores (7-9) jumped ahead with a first-inning run, the Otahkians tied it with one in the second and then broke things open with a five-run third that featured four hits. The big blows were a two-run double by Kemi Rampi and a two-run single by Jamie Birk.

Brooke Nett went 3-for-3 to pace Southeast's nine-hit attack. Katie Cerneka added two hits. Birk drove in three runs.

"We hit with people on base," Richmond said. "That's a key for us."

The Otahkians play Friday in the three-day Winthrop Tournament in Rock Hill, S.C.

Baseball plays today

Southeast's baseball team will have two more road games today as the Indians (3-6) travel to Nashville, Tenn., for a 1 p.m. doubleheader with Lipscomb (4-12).

The Indians, who have not yet played at home, have won three of their last four games. Lipscomb is a former NAIA power that is struggling making the transition to Division I.

Southeast's first home action of the season will be Wednesday when Evansville visits Capaha Field for a 2 p.m. single contest.