IDLE OTAHKS WIN FIFTH STRAIGHT OVC TITLE

Southeast Missouri State University's softball team didn't even have to take the field to wrap up its fifth consecutive Ohio Valley Conference regular-season championship.

While the Otahkians were idle Saturday, Middle Tennessee -- which had been tied with Southeast for the OVC lead -- lost a doubleheader to Morehead State.

Middle Tennessee thus fell to 14-4 while Southeast is 16-2. The Otahkians will at least gain a share of the OVC title regardless of what happens during Tuesday's doubleheader at Tennessee-Martin. One win there would give Southeast the outright league crown.

Southeast and Middle Tennessee will be the top two favorites next weekend when the OVC Tournament is held in Martin, Tenn. The winner of the tourney gains an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.