Otahkians close with doubleheader split

Southeast Missouri State University's softball team wrapped up the regular season Saturday by splitting a doubleheader with visiting Tennessee-Martin.

The Otahkians fell 5-1 in the opener but recovered to post a 5-1 victory in the finale. Only the first game counted toward the Ohio Valley Conference standings.

Southeast finished the regular season 13-25 overall and 9-12 in the OVC. UTM is 24-29 and 12-7. Both squads will compete in the OVC Tournament that begins Friday, either in Richmond, Ky., or Cookeville, Tenn.

Kristen King, one of seven Southeast seniors playing their final home games, fired a five-hitter in the finale to help the Otahkians salvage a split. King (3-9) struck out four and walked one. The only run she allowed was unearned.

"Kristen pitched extremely well and that is what we were looking for from her," Southeast coach Lana Richmond said.

Jamie Birk got her second home run of the season to pace the Otahkians' seven-hit attack.

In the opener, UTM ace Kendra Kosco (15-7) hurled a five-hitter, with nine strikeouts and three walks. Kelly Birk (6-10) took the loss, giving up four hits and two earned runs over the first five innings.

Southeast's lone run came on senior Jennifer Cobin's second homer of the year.

Stephanie Paris had three first-game hits for the Skyhawks. Nicole Davis also finished with three hits on the day for UTM.