OTAHKIANS LOSE PERFECT GAME, HOLD ON FOR 4-3 VICTORY OVER AUSTIN PEAY

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State softball team looked like it might have a perfect opening as it launched its quest for a sixth straight OVC title Tuesday.

But a potential perfect game by starter Renee Mueller turned into a heart-stopping 4-3 victory over Austin Peay.

The Otahkians trailed 8-6 in the top of the fifth inning of the nightcap when play was suspended due to darkness.

Mueller took a perfect game into the bottom of the seventh of the opener, but saw it end with a leadoff single to Jenny Kelley. Mueller gave up two hits in the inning and her only walk. She eventually recorded her fourth strikeout of the game when she fanned Leigh Spiceland with the bases loaded to end the game.

Southeast (9-12, 1-0) had seven hits in the game. Courtney Eklund and Josie Earnest both went 2-for-3. Eklund staked Southeast to a 3-0 lead in the third inning with a two-out, three-run homer. Earnest added a two-out RBI single in the sixth.

Holly Ricketts suffered the loss for Austin Peay.

Austin Peay also scored in bunches in the nightcap. Southeast took a 6-2 lead into the bottom of the fourth inning, but saw Austin Peay bust loose for six runs on six hits. Southeast starter Jennifer Dippel was chased in the inning.

Trailing 2-0, Southeast scored five runs in the third inning on four hits and two Governor errors. The lead grew to 6-2 in the fourth with the help of two more Austin Peay errors.