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HomeSportsAustin Peay Lady Govs Volleyball host league-leading Morehead State, Tuesday

Austin Peay Lady Govs Volleyball host league-leading Morehead State, Tuesday

APSU Sports Information: APSU Volleyball

Austin Peay State University Lady GovsClarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team begins its final homestand when it hosts Ohio Valley Conference-leading Morehead State in a 6:00pm, Tuesday contest at the Dunn Center.

The match is one of two teams at opposite ends of a quickly-developing OVC tournament picture. Austin Peay (7-17, 5-8 OVC) enters the week in a three-team tie for seventh place, one-half match outside of the tournament. Morehead State (17-5, 12-0 OVC) needs just one win to secure a berth and is quickly moving towards claiming a second-consecutive OVC regular-season title.

Junior Nikki Doyle and Austin Peay's volleyball team host league-leading Morehead State, Tuesday. APSU Volleyball. (Courtesy: Keith Dorris/Dorris Photography)
Junior Nikki Doyle and Austin Peay's volleyball team host league-leading Morehead State, Tuesday. APSU Volleyball. (Courtesy: Keith Dorris/Dorris Photography)

The Lady Govs return home after seeing mixed results on its recent road trip. Austin Peay dropped a five-set decision at SIU Edwardsville, Friday, despite owning four match-point opportunities in the contest. APSU bounced back  Saturday with a three-set sweep at Eastern Illinois, rallying to win the opening set before posting convincing wins in the final two sets.

“We still have those moments where we are unsure of ourselves,” said head coach Bill Egbert. “We’re still learning to have a short memory when things don’t go our way. When we learn to forget our mistakes and forge ahead we will be a stronger team.”

Junior outside hitter Nikki Doyle continued her season’s strong play, leading Austin Peay with her season-best 19-kill effort at SIU Edwardsville and finishing the week with 27 kills. She  remains ranked second among OVC hitters in total kills (314) and third in kills per set (3.45).

“Nikki is one of those players we know we can always turn to in a tough situation,” said Egbert. “However, every team in the conference is aware that’s what we want to do and is ready. We are continuing to see our other hitters develop into their roles and that’s been the big reason behind our success this month.”

Morehead State has not been challenged often in conference play this season, losing just six sets in 12 matches and being pushed to five sets just once in league play. However, one of those sets the Eagles lost was in its four-set victory against Austin Peay, September 17th. Tuesday’s contest will be the final match of a four-match road swing that has seen Morehead State post victories at Murray State, Southeast Missouri and UT Martin.

Senior middle hitter Ellie Roberson is the Eagles biggest offensive threat, averaging an OVC best – and ranking 36th nationally – 4.21 kills per set. The Lady Govs were able to hold her in check during their first meeting, but allowed Emma Keough, who ranks fourth on the team in kills (2.14 kills per set), to break out for a 14-kill performance.

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