OTAHK NETTERS `WIND' UP SEASON

Tennis players are accustomed to facing windy conditions at times, but Southeast Missouri State University's women's team took that a couple of steps further than normal last Thursday.

The Otahkians were in Nashville, Tenn., for the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament when they found themselves literally right in the middle of the major tornado that hit the city.

But, somewhat miraculously, despite seeing extensive damage done around them, the van the team was riding in -- and, most importantly, the Otahkians themselves -- suffered no damage.

"It took the roof off the building right next to us," said Southeast coach Donna Ryan. "But the van was fine and so were we."

According to Ryan, the Otahkians were fortunate that they didn't quite have their directions down pat. They had trouble finding the park where the tournament was supposed to be held, which wound up being a blessing in disguise.

"It hit the park we were looking for two blocks away and did enough damage so the tournament couldn't be held there," she said, then added with a laugh. "It's nice to be lost sometimes."

Explained Ryan: "We had just gotten there (to Nashville) and came into the tornado warning. You never think a lot about it. We were looking for the park and stopped to ask directions. The people where we stopped said we better get inside because there was a tornado in the area. Darn if we didn't look out and see it. We saw the cloud. It was like a block away."

"We got everybody inside in the interior of a little filling station. It wasn't much, but everybody was fine and so was the van. In a situation like that, you're just thankful everything is okay."

The Otahkians wound up finishing sixth in the OVC tourney that was held Friday through Sunday, losing to Murray State 5-0 in the first round, then beating Eastern Kentucky 5-2 and losing to Eastern Illinois 5-4 in consolation action.

Ryan, who served as the team's interim coach this year, came away extremely pleased with how the season went, particularly since Mel Thomas, one of the Otahkians' top players, missed the entire campaign with an injury.

"They really played hard and I'm proud of all of them," Ryan said. "We finished in the same spot (in the OVC) as last year minus one good player, so I'm pleased."