Missouri sweeps Redhawks in season opener

Alyce Kelly served during doubles play with Julie Masotti Saturday morning, February 16, 2008, at the Green Tennis Center in Columbia, Mo., while playing Mizzou. (Kit Doyle) [Click to enlarge]

The season started with a thump for the Southeast Missouri State tennis team.

The Redhawks got swept by the host University of Missouri on Saturday in Southeast's season opener. The Tigers improved to 6-1.

Southeast's Bryce Kristal put the biggest fight at No. 1 singles, falling 6-3, 6-3 to Jessica Giuggioli.

At No. 3 doubles, Southeast's Elise Nattier and Taylor Orahood lost 8-3 to Chrissy Svetlic and Maureen Modesto.

At No. 2 singles, Julia Masotti fell to Missouri's Kaitlin Dunham, 6-0, 6-2.

Southeast Missouri State junior Julia Masotti volleyed during play against Mizzou Saturday, February 16, 2008, at the Green Tennis Center in Columbia, Mo. (Kit Doyle) [Click to enlarge]

At No. 3 singles, Drew Kristal got swept 6-0, 6-0 by Svetlic.

At No. 4 singles, Alyce Kelly lost to Modesto, 6-0, 6-2.

Nattier fell 6-1, 6-1 to Kaitlyn Ritchie at No. 5 singles, while Sofia Ayala swept Orahood, 6-0, 6-0.

Dunham and Ayala teamed to beat the Kristal sisters 8-1 at No. 1 doubles, while Giuggioli and Ritchie teamed to beat Masotti and Kelly, 8-0, at No. 2 doubles.

The Redhawks return to action today against Illinois-Chicago in Columbia.

Southeast Missouri State senior Drew Krystal returned a serve during doubles play against Missouri on Saturday morning at the Green Tennis Center in Columbia, Mo. (Kit Doyle) [Click to enlarge]

Softball

The Redhawks didn't get a chance to build on their 3-0 start to the season.

Rain forced the cancellation of Saturday's games at the Mardi Gras Classic, hosted by Louisiana-Monroe. Southeast will face Iowa State at 9 a.m., then Louisiana-Monroe at 1 p.m. today.

Elaine Fisher is 2-0 with a 0.58 ERA for the Redhawks.