SIZZLING OTAHKIANS SHOUT OUT OVC LEADER EASTERN ILLINOIS

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Southeast Missouri State University's softball team probably will not win the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season title this year, but the Otahkians are certainly playing as well as any squad in the league these days.

The Otahkians captured their 15th victory in the last 20 games Thursday as they blanked OVC leader Eastern Illinois 3-0.

Southeast, which has won the past five OVC regular-season championships, improved to 26-22 overall and 15-7 in league play. EIU, 26-32 overall, remains atop the conference standings at 15-4.

Jenny Doehring (8-5) scattered six hits while striking out one and walking one as she pitched all seven innings to get the win.

The Otahkians had 13 hits, led by Emmy Kisaka with three. Brooke Nett, Renee Enos and Michelle Frank all added two.

Southeast took a 1-0 lead in the second inning as Frank singled, moved to third on a Tami Hebert double and scored on a Kelsey White groundout.

The Otahkians got their final two runs in the sixth. With two outs, Nett doubled and Doehring singled her home. Enos then singled and Kisaka delivered a double to score Doehring.

Despite the loss, EIU is still in the driver's seat to capture the OVC regular-season title, with Middle Tennessee (15-5) also having a solid shot at the crown.

Southeast is in third place heading into Sunday's regular-season finale at home against Tennessee State. The first pitch is set for 2 p.m.