Redhawks build confidence with sweep against Billikens

~ Southeast built a three-game winning streak with victories of 6-4 and 4-3.

Southeast Missouri State softball coach Lana Richmond hopes a pair of nonconference wins against visiting Saint Louis University on Tuesday will propel junior starting pitcher Elaine Fisher, who is ranked at the bottom of the Ohio Valley Conference in ERA.

The Redhawks defeated the Billikens 6-4 in the opener and 4-3 in the second game, improving their record to 13-24. Southeast has now won three straight following a seven-game losing streak.

"Every game's important right now," Richmond said. "We've been in sort of a tailspin lately. You've got to start some place. I thought the team today played some good defense, especially getting the go-ahead runner."

The Redhawks hope to maintain their momentum this weekend when they play Tennessee-Martin in a three-game OVC series.

Saint Louis University's Allison Appenfeller tagged out Southeast Missouri State's Katie Otterness at first base during the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader at the Southeast Softball Complex. Otterness was doubled off on a fly ball to the outfield. (Kit Doyle)

Southeast has just 12 games remaining on its schedule, including 10 conference games. The Redhawks sit in ninth place in the 10-team league at 5-12. Austin Peay, which took two of three from Southeast last weekend, is in sixth at 7-10.

The lowest win total in conference for Southeast was nine since the Redhawks joined the OVC in 1992. Last season the Redhawks were 14-13 in the OVC and 28-24 overall.

"We still have a chance to make the OVC tournament, and that's your goal," Richmond said. "It's going to be tough. We have six on the road and just four here."

With a team ERA of 3.99, the Redhawks have not been able to overcome their problems on the mound. An injury in its first OVC series left Southeast without its No. 2 pitcher, forcing Fisher to carry the load. Fisher came into the doubleheader ranked No. 3 in the OVC in innings pitched with 164, and she pushed that total to 175 with 11 innings of work in the two wins.

"It's been pitching," Richmond said of Southeast's struggles this year. "We have a great hitting team. We got 14 hits in a conference game and can't win. We scored nine runs in a conference game and can't win. That is the tale of our season. That's what we need. We need that other pitcher."

Fisher relieved starter Lauren Bradley in the opener and allowed three runs on three hits in four innings for the win. In the second game, Fisher allowed three runs on nine hits in a complete-game victory.

Despite her overall record, which improved to 9-16, Fisher carried a 2.77 ERA into Tuesday's games.

"If anything, Elaine Fisher needed this day," Richmond said. "She's run into a lot of tough luck this season. She's had to pitch the load for us. We've had to rely on her to throw a lot of innings."

Among the bright spots this season for the Redhawks has been the offensive performance of freshman Stacia Dopudja, who had a game-winning three-run home run in the second game. Dopudja has team-high totals of 10 home runs and 33 RBIs.

"She came up with a big home run," Richmond said. "She's a big hitter. She battled at the plate all day."

Michelle Summers also had a big day with two hits in each game. She had a home run and three RBIs in the opener.

Southeast will travel to Tennessee-Martin to play an OVC doubleheader on Saturday. The teams will play a single game Sunday.

The Skyhawks are in fifth place in the OVC with a 9-7 conference mark.