SEMO SOFTBALL TEAM SWEEPS E. KENTUCKY

Southeast Missouri State University's softball team solidified its hold on first place in the Ohio Valley Conference by sweeping a doubleheader from visiting Eastern Kentucky Sunday.

The Otahkians prevailed 9-1 in a game shortened to five innings by the run rule and 2-0.

Southeast is now 21-14-1 overall and 14-3 in OVC play entering today's key 2 p.m. home doubleheader against Tennessee Tech.

Christine Engelhardt was the winning pitcher in the 9-1 contest. She allowed just three hits in five innings.

The Otahkians supported Engelhardt with a 14-hit attack.

Kim Palmer doubled twice and singled while Jenny Oermann matched Palmer with three hits. Chris Shetley, Josie Earnest and Melissa Thornton all added two hits. Palmer drove in three runs while Oermann and Thornton both added two RBIs.

Debbie Schmelz hurled a brilliant one-hitter in the 2-0 contest.

Southeast had eight hits to support Schmelz, with Shetley again getting two.