Missouri sweeps Redhawks in season opener

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)

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)

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.