Redhawks christen season with sweep of doubleheader

~ Southeast notched 8-0 and 12-3 victories over Jackson State.

JACKSON, Miss. -- The Southeast Missouri State softball team opened its season Thursday with an easy doubleheader sweep.

Southeast routed host Jackson State 8-0 and 12-3. Both games went just five innings because of the eight-run rule.

Elaine Fisher pitched a two-hit shutout in the opener. She struck out eight and did not issue a walk.

The Redhawks had 10 hits, led by Michelle Summers and Alex Ramirez with two apiece.

Freshman Leigh Leonard notched the victory in the nightcap with 3 1/3 shutout innings of relief. She allowed two hits, fanned two and walked none.

Southeast had 12 hits, including home runs from Michelle Summers, Megan McDonald and freshman Carmen Fowler.

Fowler had two hits and four RBIs. Jennifer Vasquez had three hits, while Summers and Stacia Dopudja added two each.