EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - After a slow start in singles, the SIUE women's tennis team could not find the results in a 5-2 loss to Southern Illinois University Carbondale Wednesday afternoon at the SIUE Tennis Courts.

"We got off to a flat start in singles," SIUE Head Coach Jason Coomer said. "We played much better in the second set of our matches, but we have to bring that level of play and intensity when the match starts."

The Cougars, now 5-9 overall, jumped to an early 1-0 lead by claiming the doubles point against a depleted Saluki lineup.

Maggie Boeckman and partner Rachel Webb continued their red-hot streak of doubles play with an 8-4 victory over SIUC's Anastacia Simons and Anita Lee. The tandem has won seven of its last nine matches.

SIUE picked up the doubles point with a forfeit win at the No. 3 spot.

"Maggie and Rachel continue to prove that they are a strong doubles team each time they step on the court," Coomer added. "They have become the anchors for the start of the match and they definitely delivered."

In singles play, the Salukis, 8-9 overall, swept through all five positions played, losing only the No. 6 spot by forfeit.

Boeckman rallied to force a third-set tiebreak after dropping the first set before falling 4-6, 7-6 (5), 3-10 against Jennifer Dien at the No. 3 singles position.

Webb and Laura Horning had chances to push their respective matches into a third set, but each came short falling 7-5 in the second set.

SIUE will play host to the Racers of Murray State Friday afternoon beginning at 2 p.m.

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