Written by Cody Bush
APSU Sports Information
Bowling Green, KY – Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team quickly returns to action when it travels to Western Kentucky for a 7:00pm, Tuesday contest at E.A. Diddle Arena.
Austin Peay (1-3) got the season off to an auspicious start, defeating Memphis for only the second time in program history. However, the Lady Govs could not maintain that momentum, dropping a five-set match to UALR before falling to both Southern Illinois and Eastern Michigan.
Plybon wasn’t the only Lady Govs player who got the season off to a good start. Sophomore outside hitter Jada Stotts notched 40 kills over the weekend, including a career-best 19 in APSU’s loss to UALR. Junior middle blocker Lauren Henderson finished the weekend with 39 kills.
However, Austin Peay struggled with passing and defense most of the weekend. Senior outside hitter Nikki Doyle struggled offensively and ultimately was pressed into service as the libero for the second half of the match against UALR and both Saturday contests. Opponents hit .267 against Austin Peay with both Eastern Michigan and Southern Illinois breaching the .300 attack percentage mark.
“We will continue to focus on what we’re doing on our side of the net,” said Lady Govs head coach Taylor Mott. “I was concerned about our passing and defense entering the season and I believe it is something we will have to work on most of the year. Those are the two most important skills we have to hone in order to be successful, but I am certain we will improve as the season progresses.”
Western Kentucky (1-2) opened its campaign at the Louisville Invitational, dropping matches to Louisville and nationally-ranked Penn State before downing Ohio Valley Conference member Morehead State in three sets. Senior outside hitter Jordyn Skinner led the Hilltoppers with 32 kills (3.20 kills per set) during the weekend, including 13 kills against Morehead State.
