Softball team finally sees some action

The Southeast Missouri State softball team finally wasn't bested by bad weather during its spring break trip to North Carolina.

The Redhawks took the field for doubleheaders the past two days after having six games in three days rained out.

Southeast dropped Wednesday's doubleheader to Elon 4-2, 8-1, after Tuesday's 8-7, 6-0 doubleheader sweep of North Carolina A&T.

The Redhawks, who are 9-7, have had 12 games canceled because of the weather.

Southeast managed six hits in each game against Elon. Senior Lauren Bradley and junior Alex Ramirez both had two hits, while sophomore Elise Sperakos homered.

Sophomore Whitney Dupuis took the loss in relief in the opener. Freshman Stefanie Barnes suffered the second-game defeat.

In Tuesday's twin bill at North Carolina A&T, Southeast had 18 hits. Sophomore Nicole Troncoso led the way with five, freshman Shelby Stein had four and freshman Renee Kertz added three, along with three RBIs.

Freshman Giana Zimmerman (5-2), who leads Southeast in wins, notched the victory in the opener with three innings of relief.

The nightcap was highlighted by Barnes' second straight shutout. She allowed five hits, struck out seven and walked three.

Southeast opens Ohio Valley Conference play Friday with a doubleheader at Morehead State. The squads will play a single contest Saturday.

Morehead State, the OVC runner-up last year, is predicted to finish third in the nine-team league this season. Southeast was picked seventh in the preseason poll.

Tennis falls to 0-9

The Southeast women's tennis team fell to 0-9 with Tuesday's 7-0 loss at Arkansas-Little Rock.

Southeast picked up its first doubles victory of the season as Julia Masotti and Elise Nattier won 8-2 at the No. 1 spot.

Masotti owns the Redhawks' only two singles wins this year.

The Redhawks begin a five-match homestand Monday against Southern Illinois-Carbondale in a 3 p.m. start.

-- From staff reports