CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – SIUE and Austin Peay split singles matches Friday, but the Governors captured the doubles point for a 4-3 victory over the Cougars in Ohio Valley Conference men's tennis play.

"Today was a very tough loss as I felt our guys played well enough to get the win," said SIUE Head Coach Jason Coomer. "You have to give credit to Austin Peay for fighting until the end."

SIUE, 5-10 overall and 1-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference, picked up singles wins from Tristan Houle at No. 1, Nico Kuehn at No. 4 and Jack Desse at No. 6.

Houle bested Aaron Jumonville 7-5, 6-3. Kuehn defeated Aleh Drobysh 7-6, 6-3. Desse bested James Mitchell 7-5, 6-2.

"Nico came out, performed well for the team today and kept us in the match," said Coomer. "I can't say enough about how well Tristan played today. It was by far one of his better matches this season."

Austin Peay, 1-7 overall and 1-2 in the OVC, took two doubles matches with SIUE leading at No. 3 doubles. Jumonville and Manuel Montenegro edged Patrick Gaffigan and Houle at No. 1 doubles 7-5. Drobysh and Almantas Ozelis topped SIUE's Matthew Hutchinson and Desse 6-4.

"Doubles play couldn't have been much closer, and both teams played extremely well. Unfortunately, we came up a little short," said Coomer.

SIUE continues its road trip Saturday with a dual match at Murray State. The first serve is set for 2 p.m. in Murray, Kentucky.

"We have to bounce back quickly against a very good Murray State team," said Coomer. "This conference is so close his year that you don't have time to worry about one loss. If you spend too much time worrying about a loss, you may find yourself sitting at home in the postseason."