Sports digest 12/10/01

SEMO baseball inks Kennett standoutSoutheast Missouri State University baseball coach Mark Hogan has announced his first signing for the 2003 season as he recently landed Kennett High School senior Nathan Baker, who will be the recipient of the Joe Bertling Baseball Scholarship.

Baker, who will pitch for Southeast, has already been a two-time all-stater at Kennett, averaging 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings. He has also gone 18-3 with a 1.50 earned-run average for Dunklin County American Legion.

Also a standout quarterback in football at Kennett, Baker's father Randy played baseball at Southeast in the late 1970s.

"We are very pleased to have Nathan join us," said Hogan. "He will make an outstanding recipient of the Joe Bertling Scholarship."

SEMO track has strong first meet

JONESBORO, Ark.-- Southeast Missouri State University opened its indoor track season with a strong showing at Saturday's eight-team Arkansas State Kickoff Classic.

Southeast's women were first with 120 points, easily beating runner-up Alabama State's 91. Southeast's men were second with 109 points, just behind Arkansas State's 110.

The Otahkians received individual victories from Amy Arteme in the 5,000-meters and freshman Meleisa Green in the long jump. The Otahks also won the distance medley relay.

The Indians had wins from Glenn Haley in the 55 hurdles, Jaret Willi in the pole vault, Shelton Scott in the triple jump and Jay Heddell in the shot put.

Further results are in Scoreboard on Page 2B.

Woodland girls suffer first loss

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- The Woodland High School girls basketball team suffered its first loss of the season Saturday night as Greenville prevailed 45-29 in the championship game of the Woodland Tournament.

Woodland (3-1) was led by Kandice Abner with 12 points.

Puxico beat Risco 52-27 for third place.

U.S. soccer team loses to S. Korea

SEOGWIPO, South Korea -- The United States lost 1-0 to South Korea Sunday night in a 'friendly' game between teams that will play in the same group in next year's World Cup.

The only goal came in the 23rd minute on a header by defender Yoo Sang-chul after a low corner kick.

Santa Clara wins women's soccer title

DALLAS -- Santa Clara won its first NCAA women's soccer championship and denied North Carolina its 17th, beating the Tar Heels 1-0 Sunday on a first-half goal by Aly Wagner.

Santa Clara finished 23-2 and North Carolina 24-1.

-- From staff, wire reports