OTAHKIANS BECOME THE PERFECT VICTIM

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Southeast Missouri State University's softball team found the going extremely tough during Friday's opening round of the Georgia Tech Buzz Classic.

The Otahkians (5-10) suffered a perfect game at the hands of Wisconsin -- the nation's No. 22 ranked squad -- as they lost 9-0.

Southeast then faced California -- rated No. 3 nationally -- Friday night, but results were not available as the Southeast Missourian went to press.

Against Wisconsin, pitcher Andrea Kirchberg was dominant, retiring all 21 Otahkians, including 12 on strikeouts.

The Badgers scored four runs in the first inning, added three in the third and tallied two in the seventh.

Southeast's two tourney games today should be less daunting as the Otahkians face Mercer and Harvard.

Arteme wins race

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Southeast track athlete Amy Arteme stood out during the opening day of the rugged Alabama Relays, which includes athletes from more than 60 schools.

Arteme, a Kelly High School graduate, won the 10,000-meter run in a time of 38:02.52.