Southeast softball loses two but still clinches tourney berth

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Southeast Missouri State University's softball team was shut out in both ends of a doubleheader Saturday -- yet the Otahkians still managed to qualify for the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.

Host Samford posted a pair of 2-0 victories, limiting the Otahkians to just three hits in each game.

Still, the Otahkians (15-33, 10-13) locked up sixth place in the 10-team league, thanks to Austin Peay's doubleheader loss at Tennessee-Martin. The top six finishers advance to the conference tournament, which begins Thursday in Richmond, Ky.

The Otahkians' pitching was solid, particularly Amy Fahnestock in the opener. She went the distance in that game, allowing seven hits.

Three Southeast hurlers combined to allow seven hits in the second game. Kelly Birk took the loss while Jessica Hunter hurled 3 2/3 scoreless innings.

Jamie Birk had a hit in each game for Southeast, which ends the regular season today with a 1 p.m. contest at Samford.