Panthers ride offense to softball sweep of Redhawks

The Southeast Missouri State softball team continued to struggle Wednesday as the Redhawks were swept at home in an Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader.

Eastern Illinois remained unbeaten in OVC play with 3-0 and 10-2 victories. The Panthers (15-11, 7-0) have won nine straight as they moved into a first-place OVC tie.

Southeast (10-18, 1-6) is tied for last place in the 10-team conference. The Redhawks have lost three straight and seven of eight.

Pitcher Amber May was the story of the opener as she fired a three-hit shutout, with seven strikeouts and no walks.

Southeast hurler Stefanie Barnes gave up six hits and two earned runs.

The Panthers scored all of their runs in the second inning, the big blow being a two-run homer by Jen Saucier.

Nicole Troncoso had two of Southeast's three hits, including a double.

EIU finished the sweep by playing home run derby in the nightcap. The Panthers took advantage of a strong wind blowing out by belting six homers, including another one by Saucier.

The Redhawks only were outhit 15-11, but all of their hits were singles.

Troncoso continued her impressive season by going 4 for 4. She is batting .396.

Carmen Fowler, Renee Kertz and Elise Sperakos all added two hits for Southeast.

Whitney Dupuis took the loss, allowing all 10 runs and all 15 hits.

Southeast returns to action Friday with a 5 p.m. OVC doubleheader at Austin Peay. The squads will close out the three-game series at 1 p.m. Saturday.