SEMO SOFTBALL TEAM SECOND IN SIU TOURNEY

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southeast Missouri State University's softball team split two games with host Southern Illinois Saturday -- but still finished behind the host squad in the four-team SIU Tournament.

The Otahkians beat the Salukis 5-3, but both teams advanced to the championship game of the tourney by virtue of having the best records in round-robin play.

SIU then downed Southeast 4-1 for the title as the Otahkians fell to 5-11-1 on the season.

Christine Englehardt was the winning pitcher in the first game, with Debbie Schmelz earning a save.

Englehardt then suffered the loss in the championship contest.

"We hit the ball well in the first game," said Southeast coach Lana Richmond. "We had some hits in the second game but we couldn't string them together. But the effort was there and we played hard."

Added Richmond, "Our record does not reflect the caliber of our play. We've played some really good competition so far and that's only going to make us better."

The Otahkians will have their first home action of the season Wednesday when Tennessee-Martin comes to Parker Field for a 2 p.m. start.