CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – SIUE women's tennis won its fourth straight Ohio Valley Conference match Thursday with a 4-3 victory over Eastern Illinois at the Atkins Tennis Center.

The Cougars improved 10-8 overall and 5-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference. SIUE clinched its first-ever spot in next week's Ohio Valley Conference Tournament in Paducah, Ky.

"We fought all the way through the lineup," said SIUE Assistant Coach Amanda Pratzel.

The Cougars fell behind early by dropping two of three doubles matches, but the team pushed back in singles.

"It was another match in which we were able to recover with hard work and come from behind," said Pratzel.

SIUE's depth made the difference against the Panthers, now 3-5 in the OVC and 9-5 overall.

Mia Frogner, Kali Donner, Haley Ilcewicz, and McKenzie Thomas all collected straight sets wins. Even in its singles losses, the Cougars went three sets against EIU.

"It was definitely a team effort," said Pratzel. "Everybody played a role in us coming out on top."

SIUE now has two matches left on the regular season schedule, both of which will be played at the SIUE tennis Courts. SIUE welcomes Belmont for a 10 a.m. match Saturday. Tennessee State meets the Cougars Sunday for an 11 a.m. matchup.