ST. LOUIS – SIUE women's tennis dropped the championship match to Bryant Sunday 4-2 at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center.

"Give a lot of credit to Bryant, they came out and played really well at all courts," said SIUE Head Coach Adam Albertsen. I want to wish them the best as the represent our conference in Regionals."

The Cougars finish the season with a 15-3 record while Bryant improved to 13-7 and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

"It's a tough loss as a team, but I have never been around a group that has supported and loved each other like this team," said Albertsen.

The Bulldogs grabbed the early momentum with the doubles. The two teams split No. 1 and No. 2 doubles. In No. 3 doubles, Bryant's Yahli Noy and Laura Stypula outlasted SIUE's Jessica Li and Mya Bowe 7-6 (7-5).

SIUE's hopes rose with wins at No. 5 and No. 6 singles. Cydney Rogers bested Lisa Marie Dugec 6-2, 6-2 at No. 6 singles. Paloma Hennicaux  added to SIUE's total with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Mila Martinez at No. 5 singles.

Bryant then started its comeback in singles. First Natalia Vela defeated SIUE's Elena Palioura 6-3, 6-3 at No. 2 singles. Maria Jose Hernandez Diaz defeated Jessica Li 6-4, 6-4 at No. 4 singles. Stypula closed out the match with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over SIUE's Stefaniya Anikina at No. 3 singles.

"It was a special season and one that they can really look back at and be proud of," said Albertsen. "Going to the OVC Championship three times in the past four years and walking away with a regular season championship are all things to be proud of and build off going into next year."