OTAHKS TIGHTEN `D' TO SALVAGE A SPLIT WITH NORTHWESTERN

After practically gift-wrapping a win for Northwestern in the opener, Southeast Missouri State University's softball team played much less gracious hosts in the nightcap.

The result was a doubleheader split at chilly Parker Field Monday afternoon.

Southeast committed four errors in the first game and three of them caused all of Northwestern's runs to be unearned as the Wildcats prevailed 6-2.

But the Otahkians had no errors in the second game -- and benefited from some sparkling plays in the field -- as they rode the pitching of Debbie Schmelz to a 3-1 victory.

The Otahkians are now 11-4 while Northwestern of the Big 10 Conference is 13-6.

"Northwestern is a good team and to this point they have played better competition than us," said Southeast coach Lana Richmond. "It was real disappointing to see our caliber of play in the first game, but we bounced back well in the second game."

Richmond knows she has a solid team -- the defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Otahkians are the overwhelming choice to repeat as league champs -- but she says Southeast must become more consistent defensively.

"We're struggling defensively when we play the better teams," Richmond said. "If our defense can become really consistent then I feel like we'll be in just about every game."

Jenny Oermann went 4-for-4 in the opener for the Otahkians, who had seven hits to Northwestern's six.

But Southeast could not overcome the errors that allowed six unearned runs to scored behind losing pitcher Christine Engelhardt (4-2).

Jenn Shull did the most damage for the Wildcats with two hits and four runs batted in. She had a two-run double in the first and a two-run single in the fifth. Mikeal Chambers added a two-run single in the sixth to put Northwestern ahead 6-0.

The Otahkians scored twice in the seventh and final inning but it was too late.

"We made two-out errors and they scored all their runs after them," said Richmond. "But give Northwestern credit because they took advantage of our mistakes."

Schmelz (7-2) was in control of the nightcap, scattering five hits and walking none in going the distance.

"Debbie was in control. She pitched a gem," said Richmond.

Ricki DeArmon had two of the Otahkians' five hits.

Third baseman Tami Hebert made three dazzling plays while Oermann also turned in a stunner at shortstop.

"We played much better defensively in the second game," Richmond said. "That's the kind of play we're looking for."

Southeast will face another tough test today when Southern Illinois makes the trip from Carbondale for a 2 p.m. doubleheader at Parker Field.

"SIU is a very good team so we'll have another tough test," Richmond said. "But that's good because playing these kinds of teams will make us better."