JACKSON, Miss. – The SIUE softball team completed its five-game weekend at the Jackson State Tournament Sunday but suffered a defeat at the hands of Big 12 foe Kansas at the JSU Softball Complex.

The Jayhawks (8-5) prevailed by a score of 5-0 as SIUE finished the weekend with a 2-3 record.

"I was fairly happy with our preparation and approach this game," Head Coach Sandy Montgomery said.  "We played well through the first few innings but just couldn't string hits together.  We had a lot more focus and intensity this game."

The game was scoreless until the fourth inning, when Kansas took a 1-0 lead with a run from Chaley Brickey.  Chanin Naudin added on to the Jayhawks' advantage with a bases-clearing double in the fifth inning.

Kelsey Kessler threw a complete game for Kansas, allowing just two hits.

"Give (Kessler) credit," Montgomery said.  "She threw a nice game."

Erin Greenwalt got the start for the Cougars, allowing one unearned run on three hits in three innings of work.  The senior also recorded a pair of strikeouts.

Alex McDavid had one of the Cougars' two hits against KU, and Montgomery was pleased with what she saw from the reigning OVC Player of the Year.

"Alex is playing outstanding at third base," Montgomery said.  "She made three diving plays today.  I asked our players to be better and Alex has certainly done that.  She's starting to swing the bat better and is improving overall."

The Cougars (3-11) will be back in action next weekend with five games at the UCF Tournament in Orlando, Fla.  SIUE opens the weekend against host UCF Friday at 9 a.m. CT.

"Once we catch a few breaks and start hitting a little better, everything is going to fall into place," Montgomery added.  "We're right there, we just need to bust out of it."