Otahkian softball sweeps up on Morehead State

Southeast Missouri State University's softball team disposed of visiting Morehead State twice Friday, sweeping the Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader 7-4 and 6-3.

The Otahkians improved to 11-22 overall and 7-5 in OVC play as they solidified their hold on third place in the eight-team league. The Eagles fell to 6-26-1 and 3-8.

Southeast had nine hits in each game, led by Kelly Birk's 4-for-7 performance that included a perfect 3-for-3 in the opener. Birk drove in four runs on the day, three in the first game.

Lyndsey Webb had two hits in the opener and Brooke Nett delivered three RBIs.

Alicia Loucks and Alana Bagby-Leonard each had two hits in the second game, with Bagby-Leonard drilling her third home run of the season. Kate Groden added two RBIs.

Melissa Van Velkinburgh pitched four scoreless innings in the opener while Jessica Hunter finished up with two scoreless frames.

Hunter started the finale and worked 2 1/3 hitless and scoreless innings. Birk finished up, allowing three runs in 4 2/3 innings.

Morehead State had 14 hits on the day, including a grand slam by Toni Orr in the opener. Orr finished with three hits and six RBIs in the doubleheader.

The squads will conclude their three-game series at noon today at the Southeast Softball Complex.