Redhawks split two with Skyhawks

~ Southeast had just four hits in each game but posted a 2-1 win after losing by that score.

Southeast Missouri State's softball team has suddenly seen its dynamic offense go a bit stale.

The Redhawks had just eight hits in two games Saturday, but were still able to salvage an Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader split with visiting Tennessee-Martin.

"It's been a long time since I've only seen four hits from this club," Southeast coach Lana Richmond said.

That's exactly what the Redhawks had -- four hits in each game -- as they dropped the opener 2-1 and won the nightcap 2-1.

Southeast (14-9, 4-1 OVC) and Tennessee-Martin (18-13-1, 3-3) will conclude their three-game series at 1 p.m. today.

"That will be a critical game," Richmond said. "If we can win and get to 5-1 in the conference, we'll take that."

Southeast had been tearing the cover off the ball before scoring just four runs during Thursday's doubleheader split at nonconference opponent Memphis.

Despite struggling offensively again Saturday, the Redhawks continue to lead the OVC with a .282 team batting average and 28 home runs after they belted two more homers against the Skyhawks.

"Tennessee-Martin's pitchers did a good job against us," Richmond said. "I think it's very uncharacteristic of this team to have only four hits in each game."

Richmond believes the Redhawks will be able to get back on track offensively sooner rather than later.

"We have to make some adjustments to the outside pitch," she said. "That's the way teams are starting to pitch us."

Said sophomore shortstop Megan McDonald, last season's OVC freshman of the year: "We need to go with the outside pitch. That's pretty much all we saw today from all three of their pitchers. But we'll get it."

McDonald, a Central High School graduate, provided Southeast's only run in the opener with a solo homer in the bottom of the fourth inning, after the Skyhawks had scored twice in the top of the frame.

Sophomore left-hander Elaine Fisher (5-6) allowed just four hits in the seven-inning distance, with eight strikeouts and no walks.

Tennessee-Martin pitcher Ashley Myatt was strong as well. In seven innings, she struck out five and walked none.

Redhawks bounce back

The Redhawks bounced back in the second game, thanks to more stout mound work and sophomore third baseman Michelle Summers' two-run homer in the third inning.

Summers has a team-leading seven home runs this season, after also pacing the squad in that department last year with 10.

Senior right-hander Stephanie Huffman (8-3) notched the victory. She allowed six hits and one run in 5 1/3 innings, with six strikeouts and one walk.

Fisher came on to close out the game for her second save. She gave up two hits in 1 2/3 innings, with one strikeout and no walks.

"Our pitching was very good," Richmond said. "Elaine Fisher had a great day on the mound."