CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – SIUE right-hander Brant Glidewell tossed the Cougars' first complete game since 2019, but it came in a losing cause as Southeast Missouri edged SIUE 2-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both teams.

The Cougars fell to 10-9 overall. Southeast Missouri improved to 15-5 overall.

Glidewell (2-1) allowed two runs on just a single SEMO hit. He walked two and struck out five.

"Tonight was truly a pitcher's duel," SIUE Head Coach Sean Lyons said. "Brant was outstanding. He was able to keep a very good offense at bay."

 The Redhawks runs came in the fifth inning on a two-out double by second baseman Ben Palmer. It followed a walk and a hit batter.

"The best barrel of the night came with two runners on base," Lyons added.

The Cougars' only run came in the seventh. Avery Owuse-Asiedu and Brennan Orf opened the inning with base hits. Owusu-Asiedu was forced out at third after a bunt by Steven Pattan and Richie Well singled to left to drive in SIUE's only run.

SIUE finished with six hits and left nine runners on base against a pair of Southeast Missouri pitchers. SEMO starter Jason Rackers (3-0) allowed a run on five hits in six innings.

"Rackers did a nice job," Lyons said. "We had a couple of opportunities; we had some pressure, but we couldn't get that big hit. He (Rackers) was able to work out of a jam."

Orf reached on an error to start the ninth inning and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Pattan, but the Cougars couldn't drive him in.

The Cougars and Redhawks will play the second game of the three-game set Saturday. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. at Capaha Park.