SIU SWEEPS OTAHKIANS

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Earlier this season, Southeast Missouri State University's softball team defeated Southern Illinois -- and in the process won the Saluki Invitational.

Wednesday, the Salukis gained a measure of revenge as they swept a doubleheader from the visiting Otahkians, winning 7-4 and 9-1. Southeast never led in either game.

SIU improved to 25-13 while Southeast fell to 16-13.

The Salukis had only four more hits than the Otahkians in the two games, 17 to 13. But SIU was still able to prevail handily.

For Southeast in the opener, Kelsey White and Courtney Eklund both had two hits. In the second game, Emmy Kisaka had two hits, including a home run.

SIU's Erin Stremsterfer homered and drove in five runs in the nightcap. Her teammate, Lori Greiner, also homered.

Debbie Schmelz (7-8) took the first-game loss, allowing nine hits and four earned runs.

Christine Engelhardt (9-5) was the second-game loser, allowing four earned runs and eight hits.