SIU stands in the way of a season boost for Otahkians

With its Ohio Valley Conference schedule beginning this weekend, Southeast Missouri State University's struggling softball team could use a momentum boost.

That might be hard to come by today when nationally ranked Southern Illinois visits the Southeast Softball Complex for a 4 p.m. doubleheader, but coach Lana Richmond still believes the Otahkians can have a solid season.

"We want to go out and play well against SIU and be at the top of our game," Richmond said. "We're looking at the conference season. I still think we're going to be in the thick of things in the OVC."

The Otahkians are off to a 4-12 start. Last year, they went 14-27 for their first losing record in 20 seasons under Richmond, who has compiled more than 600 victories.

"We have struggled on the mound. I think that sums it up for us," Richmond said. "Looking at the stats, we're second in the league in hitting, and I think we have a good defensive team, but it's just a matter of our pitchers coming through and getting it done on the mound."

Pitching was also a problem for the Otahkians last year, but Richmond said, "I still have confidence in our pitchers. I told them we have no choice but to improve because I'm going to keep putting them out there until they get the job done."

Southeast's 4.92 earned-run average is sixth in the eight-team OVC, although Richmond said walk-on junior-college transfer Jessica Hunter has been a pleasant surprise. Hunter is 1-2 and has by far the Otahkians' best ERA at 3.72.

The Otahkians' .262 batting average is second in the OVC. Junior-college transfers Alana Bagby-Leonard (.326) and Amy Murphy (.320) rank eighth and ninth in the league.

Today's opponent, SIU, is 16-4 and ranked 30th nationally.

"We've got great competition coming in, and it's a good rivalry," Richmond said. "The thing about SIU is they have outstanding pitching and they have some good hitters."

Two of the Salukis' key players are transfers from Southeast. Shortstop Jenny Doehring, the 2001 OVC Player of the Year who was at Southeast for two seasons, is batting .271. Pitcher Renee Mueller, who played for Southeast in 2000, is 5-1 with an 0.78 ERA.

SIU's coaching staff also has ties to Southeast. Head coach Kerri Blaylock and assistant Buddy Foster are both former assistants under Richmond.

Following today's doubleheader, the Otahkians begin OVC play this weekend with a three-game home series against Tennessee State (4-17). There will be a 1 p.m. doubleheader Saturday and a 1 p.m. single contest Sunday.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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