EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - SIUE women's tennis took the final three singles matches to three sets Saturday but dropped the match 5-2 to defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Southeast Missouri.

"It was a tough loss against the reigning champion, but I think it was a great test," said SIUE Head Coach Adam Albertsen. "I think we had moments where we played really well."

Jordan Schifano was a double winner for the Cougars. She helped the Cougars secure the doubles point early as she and Jill Lambrechts bested Ksenia Shikanova and Romana Tarajova 6-4 at No. 1 doubles. Schifano dropped the first set to Shikanova at No. 3 singles but rallied back for SIUE's singles win 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

"I love how we came out in doubles and got the doubles point," said Albertsen. "We played well on all three courts."

Reigning OVC Doubles Team of the Week Amelia Gorman and Margaux Guibal Britt won once again, earning a 7-5 victory over Daniela Hlacikova and Teona Velkoska.

"In singles, it just took us some time to adjust," Albertsen said. "It took some time to get going, and we had matches where we dug holes. You're trying to battle back and playing against a good team like that it's tough."

SIUE, 12-4 and 2-1 in the OVC, went three sets at No. 5 and No. 6 singles. SEMO's Cosima Calinesu edged SIUE's Jaiden McKee at No. 5 6-4, 2-6, 7-5. Teona Velkoska picked up the win for SEMO at No. 6 singles 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 ver SIUE's Fabiola Perez.

"If anything, this will make us stronger for the stretch run," added Albertsen.

SIUE's next action is a nonconference battle at McKendree Tuesday at 2 p.m.