March 24, 2008

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Monday, March 24, 2008) The Redhawks softball team has finally made it back from a tough road stretch that saw them play 15 games in 16 days. They host Ohio Valley Conference rival Eastern Illinois in the team's OVC home opener tomorrow at the Southeast Softball Complex. The teams will play an afternoon doubleheader starting at 3:00 p.m.

The Redhawks (11-16, 1-5 OVC) will look to bounce back from a tightly contested battle with OVC Preseason favorite Tennessee Tech this past weekend in Cookeville. After shutting down the potent Golden Eagles bats, 4-0 in the series opener behind the masterful pitching of Elaine Fisher the Redhawks suffered a 5-1 setback in the second game of their Saturday doubleheader before falling 3-2 in a 12-inning marathon in the series finale on Sunday.

The Redhawks hope that returning home will help them make a push in the OVC standing where they currently sit in last with Austin Peay. The Redhawks have played only two home games this season, winning both contests.

Their only action at the Complex was at the rain-shortened All-Missouri Strike Out Cancer Tournament. They defeated a talented Missouri State team, 3-1 before defeating Saint Louis 7-3 in the afternoon game.

The Redhawks have hit three homeruns at home all against Saint Louis with two of those coming off the bat of Allie Borowiak.

The Panthers (8-11, 4-1 OVC) head into Cape Girardeau after taking both ends of a doubleheader against Austin Peay before seeing their series finale cancelled due to cold weather. Seniors Karyn Mackie and Ashley Robison each pitched shutouts in their 1-0 and 8-0 wins this past weekend in Charleston, Illinois.

The Panthers are led offensively by Sarah Coppert who leads the team with a .366 average and ranks second with 12 RBIs. Megan Nelson is batting .303 but makes her mark on the base baths as she has stolen 12 bases.

The Panthers sit in second in the OVC standings behind Eastern Kentucky.

Last season the Redhawks lost the series 2-1 to their northern rivals. They were swept up in Charleston 3-2 and 11-7 before taking the series finale back in Cape Girardeau, 5-2. The Redhawks still lead the all-time series as they hold a 29-19 advantage.