Redhawks open OVC play with sweep

~ Huffman delivered three-run homer in opener and picked up both pitching wins, while McDonald sparked the offense in the nightcap.

The Southeast Missouri State softball team opened Ohio Valley Conference play with a doubleheader sweep of Austin Peay on Saturday.

Southeast posted 4-1 and 4-2 victories as pitcher Stephanie Huffman picked up two victories.

The teams play a single game at 1 p.m. today to conclude the series.

Southeast jumped above .500 for the season at 9-7, and coach Lana Richmond picked up her 702nd and 703rd career victories.

In the opener, Huffman's three-run home run in the top of the ninth inning made the difference in a 4-1 victory. She finished the game with two hits, and she pitched shutout ball on one hit over the final three innings to get the win.

Southeast had opened a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Lauren Bradley, who also had two hits, drove in Michelle Summers with a double.

Austin Peay, which had seven hits to Southeast's six, scored its run in the bottom of the fourth inning against Redhawks starter Elaine Fisher.

Austin Peay had the bases loaded in the seventh inning but could not convert against Huffman (5-3).

Natasha Anderson pitched a complete game for Austin Peay (7-13-2, 0-2), allowing four runs on six hits while striking out 12.

Fisher had allowed six hits and struck out four in six innings.

In the nightcap, Huffman started and pitched 4 1/3 innings for her second win of the day. She allowed two runs on five hits and a walk.

Fisher picked up the save with 1 2/3 innings of hitless and scoreless relief.

Southeast had jumped on Austin Peay with two runs in third inning, when sophomore Megan McDonald slugged a two-run home run.

Austin Peay tied the game in the fourth on a two-run homer by Ami Bush.

Southeast took the lead in the top of the fifth on an RBI single by Summers.

McDonald added an RBI single in the top of the seventh.

Ashley Elrod pitched all seven innings for Austin Peay and allowed eight hits.

Southeast's three pitchers -- Huffman, Jessica Rosencrantz and Fisher -- combined to allow just four hits.