CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – SIUE's Jacob Tanulanond and Patrick Gaffigan each won their singles matches, but the Cougars dropped a 5-2 decision Sunday at Austin Peay.

"The positive we will take away from this weekend is that we received a split on the road," said SIUE men's tennis Head Coach Jason Coomer. "A split gives us the opportunity to achieve our postseason aspirations."

SIUE, 9-8 overall and 3-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference, defeated Murray State to open the weekend.

Both Tanulanond and Gaffigan won their matches in three sets. Tanulanond lost the first set before storming back for a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win over James Mitchell at No. 5 singles. Gaffigan won the first set, dropped the second set, and easily collected the third set for a 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 victory over Manuel Montenegro at No. 6 singles.

"Jake and Pat stepped up to their ability today," said Coomer. "We need both to play at that level or higher in their upcoming matches, which I know they are capable of."

Austin Peay won four of six singles matches and improved to 9-5 overall and a 4-2 record in OVC play.

The Cougars next have a midweek match at Eastern Illinois. Thursday's match is set for 1 p.m. in Champaign, Ill.

"We've got a quick turnaround with a conference match on Thursday," said Coomer. "EIU will be prepared. We have to spend the next three days preparing for what we expect will be a great match against two great teams."