Sports digest 3/15/02

AREA

SOUTHEAST GYMNASTICS SET FOR FINAL HOME MEET

Southeast Missouri State University's gymnastics team will hold its senior night today as the Otahkians close out their home schedule against Western Michigan.

Otahkian seniors Jessica Bagwill, Stephanie Furman, Karen Hamilton, Michelle Walker and Elenor Wilson will all be honored prior to the 7 p.m. dual match at Houck Field House.

With one more competition to go after tonight -- next Saturday at the Midwest Independent Championships in Chicago -- several Otahkians still have a chance to qualify for NCAA regionals.

Sophomore all-around standout Ashley Godwin appears to have the best shot with junior Amy Cole, another all-arounder, in the running along with Walker on floor.

ELSEWHERE

BASEBALL

Left-hander Bud Smith shut out the Expos for five innings and Stubby Clapp drove in five runs as the Cardinals beat the Expos in 6-0 in a split-squad game for both teams.

Smith made his third straight successful start, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out three. He has allowed just one run in 12 innings this spring and none in his last two outings.

Albert Pujols and Mike DeFelice homered off Andy Ashby on to lead a Cardinals split squad over the Dodgers 4-1.

Pujols hit a two-run homer in the first and DeFelice connected on an 0-2 pitch in the second.

Ashby, who pitched in only two games last year before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery, allowed three runs and three hits in three innings.

Colleges

The University of Evansville will remain in NCAA Division I as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, officials announced. The university had considered dropping out because of costs.

Football

Running back Warrick Dunn's agent was close to completing a contract with the Falcons. Leigh Steinberg denied reports his client had reached an agreement in principle with the Falcons.

-- From staff, wire reports