UTM sweeps Redhawks, clinches title

Tennessee-Martin completed a three-game series sweep of host Southeast Missouri State on Sunday to clinch the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season softball championship.

The Redhawks finished their home schedule by losing both ends of a doubleheader 5-1 and 2-0. The Skyhawks won Saturday's series opener 4-3 in eight innings.

UTM improved to 42-9 overall to set the program record for single-season wins. The Skyhawks are 19-3 in OVC play.

Southeast fell to 15-28 overall and 5-15 in the OVC as the Redhawks remained last in the 10-team league with three conference games remaining. Southeast has been mathematically eliminated from a chance to qualify for the six-team conference tournament.

The Redhawks managed just six hits in Sunday's doubleheader, including only one in the nightcap.

UTM senior Paij Lintz did not allow a hit through 5 1/3 innings before Melissa Walker reached on an infield single with one out in the sixth.

Lintz (22-3) finished off a one-hitter that featured nine strikeouts and one walk as she became UTM's career leader in strikeouts.

Stefanie Barnes (9-16) had a strong pitching performance for Southeast, allowing just four hits and one earned run. Barnes also was solid for the Redhawks in Saturday's series opener.

The Skyhawks scored single runs in the first and seventh innings, which was more than enough for Lintz.

Southeast had five hits in the opener, with Carmer Fowler driving in the Redhawks' lone run in the first inning.

Whitney Dupuis (6-12) took the loss, allowing 12 hits and all five runs.

UTM wiped out Southeast's 1-0 lead with a three-run second inning. The Skyhawks added single runs in the fourth and sixth.

Southeast honored its three seniors Sunday. Catcher Alex Ramirez and outfielder Jennifer Vasquez have been four-year starters, while Allie Borowiak has not played since 2008 due to an injury but has remained part of the program.

The Redhawks return to action Wednesday with a nonconference doubleheader at Saint Louis University.