SEMO SOFTBALL TEAM TAKES TWO AT MTSU

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State University's softball team solidified its hold on first place in the Ohio Valley Conference here Sunday.

The Otahkians swept a doubleheader from Middle Tennessee State, winning 4-0 and 5-2, as they improved to 18-4 in OVC play. Southeast is 27-16 overall.

"These were two more big wins for us," said Southeast coach Lana Richmond, whose squad has six more OVC games remaining. "If we can take care of business in the next few days, we can wrap up the title."

Debbie Schmelz pitched a three-hit shutout in the opener. She struck out three and walked one.

Chris Shetley had two of Southeast's six hits. The Otahkians took a 1-0 lead in the first on an RBI double by Kim Palmer, then broke the game open with three in the seventh.

"This was a tight game all the way through," Richmond said. "The defense held. We had a big double play in the fifth inning and (catcher) Kendra Williams threw out two runners."

Christine Engelhardt scattered nine hits to claim the win in the nightcap. She fanned two and walked one.

Palmer had a big game with three of Southeast's seven hits, including a solo home run.

The Otahkians broke on top with four runs in the first and never looked back.

Southeast remains on the road today to play Tennessee State in Nashville.