ST. LOUIS – SIUE softball surged in the top of the seventh but were held off by Saint Louis in a 3-2 nonconference contest at Billiken Sports Center.

The Cougars used three hits and two Saint Louis errors in the final inning but left the bases loaded. Chloe Wendling picked up the win for the Billikens while Sydney Baalman (2-6) went the distance for the Cougars and took the loss.

"SLU is always a challenge," said SIUE Head Coach Jessica Jones. "We didn't have a lot of energy the first half of the game and unfortunately started our rally too late and ran out of time."

SIUE dropped to 7-17 overall and next looks forward to a three-game home series this weekend against Southeast Missouri. The schedule includes a 4 p.m. single game Saturday and a 1 p.m. Sunday doubleheader.

What started as a pitcher's duel became a 1-0 SLU lead in the fourth inning when Kristi Stevenson singled home Tabby Cacheris. Saint Louis added two more in the fifth when Alyssa Chavez singled to drive home Kat Lane and send Gabbie Kowalik to third base.  A double steal allowed Kowalik to score on the ensuing play.

Lexi King started SIUE's seventh-inning push as she reached on an outfield error by Lane. Zoe Schafer moved her up with a single to right center. Amber Storer reached on a fielder's choice that allowed King to score. After Mia Hayes pinch ran for Storer, Grace Lueke singled to the left side to move Haynes over to third. Becca Duran then singled to left to drive home Haynes and close out SIUE's scoring.

"Becca came in and got a clutch hit in the last inning to keep the drive alive," added Jones.

Wendling closed out the game for the Billikens and improved to 3-6.