Southeast Missouri State softball team tries to end nine-game losing streak

The Southeast Missouri State softball team is ready to put a difficult stretch of nonconference games behind it this weekend.

Southeast will look to snap a nine-game losing streak when it begins Ohio Valley Conference play and opens its home schedule with a three-game series against Morehead State.

The Redhawks (4-11) and Eagles (5-9) will have a 1 p.m. doubleheader Saturday and a 1 p.m. contest Sunday at the Southeast Softball Complex.

"We have endured just about every scenario there is over the last 15 games," Southeast coach Lana Richmond said. "We have to set our focus on conference play now. We are better than our 4-11 record indicates."

Southeast is picked to finish fifth in the 11-team OVC after winding up in that spot last season, when the Redhawks advanced to the finals of the OVC tournament. Morehead is predicted to finish ninth.

Gymnastics

Southeast will face a rugged challenge today when coach Kristi Ewasko's alma mater comes to Houck Field House.

The Redhawks and 16th-ranked Auburn square off in a 6:30 p.m. dual meet.

Auburn, where Ewasko was a standout gymnast, has a regional qualifying score of 195.735.

Southeast has been strongest at home, where the Redhawks have posted their top two scores. They have cracked 190 in all three home meets, including a season-high 194.375.

-- From staff reports