Softball team to host SIU

The Southeast Missouri State softball team will play host to one of the nation's hottest squads today when Southern Illinois visits for a 3 p.m. doubleheader.

SIU (28-8, 8-1 Missouri Valley Conference) has won 11 straight games, and 22 of its last 23, as the Salukis are ranked 24th in this week's ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25.

The Salukis are nationally ranked during the season for the first time in school history. SIU previously had been ranked in preseason and final season polls.

Southeast, 16-13 overall and 5-4 in the Ohio Valley Conference, has lost eight straight to the Salukis.

SIU has a 1.00 earned run average, allowing just 46 runs in 36 games. The Salukis have a .276 batting average.

The Redhawks have a 2.79 ERA and .272 batting average.

Tennis at home

The Southeast tennis team will venture outside the OVC today, as Division II Southern Indiana visits for a 2:30 p.m. match.

The Redhawks (5-12, 2-5) return to conference action Friday at Eastern Illinois.