COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Despite outhitting its opponent in the second game of Sunday's doubleheader, SIUE didn't get the clutch plays in a pair of losses at Tech Softball Field.

SIUE, now 19-26 overall and 10-13 in Ohio Valley Conference play, was defeated 7-1 and 2-0 by Tennessee Tech, which improved to 20-24 overall and 14-11 in the OVC.

Rebecca Gray got into a pitcher's duel in the second game. The freshman right-hander gave up just two hits to the Golden Eagles and struck out two.

"Becca threw very well today – good enough to win," said SIUE Head Coach Sandy Montgomery.

Tennessee Tech would score single tallies in the first and third innings. An RBI single by catcher Kendall Hooper in the first inning would be the game-winning RBI.

The Cougars recorded four hits against game two winner Taylor Ketchum. SIUE's biggest threat was a pair of two-out singles in the fifth inning by Brianna Fulginiti and Whitey Davis.

"We didn't play with purpose. We were too tentative at the plate," noted Montgomery.

Tennessee Tech used a six-run third inning to topple the Cougars in game one. The Golden Eagles sent 12 batters to the plate in the inning.

Amanda Lambrecht took the loss for SIUE and is now 15-12. Holly Thomas went the distance and scattered eight SIUE hits. Davis led SIUE's offense with two hits.

SIUE next faces Saint Louis in the final non-conference matchup of the season. The Cougars and the Billikens are set for a 3 p.m. game at St. Louis.

The final six OVC games of the season are set for Cougar Field. SIUE faces Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee State over the next two weekends and play a three-game series with both teams. Next weekend is Alumni Weekend as the Cougars welcome back former players to Cougar Field.

Montgomery said having the last six OVC games at home is huge for her team as the Cougars fight for an opportunity to be among the top six teams to be invited to the OVC Tournament next month.

"That's huge. It gives us a chance. Being at home gives us a chance to play with more confidence because we have not played that well on the road this season," she added.