EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The SIUE women's tennis team was edged 4-3 by Western Kentucky on Senior Day Saturday night from the Edwardsville YMCA.

"It was a tough loss coming down to the last match," SIUE Head Coach Jason Coomer said. "While we would have liked to get the win to send off our seniors, overall we played well, but just came up a bit short."

Senior Ali Wulfers dominated from start to finish closing her SIUE career with a win. Playing No. 6 singles, Wulfers defeated WKU's Morgan Freeman 6-1, 6-1 to put the Cougars in front 1-0.

Also finishing on top was senior Laura Horning, who continued her strong play late in the season picking up a 6-4, 6-3 victory over WKU's Alex Crofford at No. 4 singles.

"I was really happy to see our seniors go 3-0 on the night," Coomer added. "It was a great way to end their careers. We truly appreciate all the contributions they have made to the program the last four years."

Freshman Rachel Webb gave the Cougar faithful hope with a 6-3, 6-3 win at the No. 3 position to even the match 3-3 heading into the decisive doubles point.

Horning and partner Amanda Miller won an 8-3 decision over WKU's Carrie True and Freeman at No. 3 doubles to keep the Cougars in the hunt, but it was the Hilltoppers that won the top two positions to get the win.

The loss ends the Cougars' 2011 season with a record of 5-11. Western Kentucky improved to 12-6 with the win.

"Going into doubles tied 3-3 we felt pretty good about our situation," Coomer said. "We just didn't get everything clicking on all cylinders."

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