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Austin Peay State University Volleyball picked second in OVC West Division preseason poll

Austin Peay State University Lady Govs - APSUBrentwood, TN – Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team was picked to finish second in the Ohio Valley Conference’s West Division in a preseason poll of coaches and sports information directors, Wednesday. Junior outside hitter Jada Stotts also was selected to the 14-member preseason All-OVC squad.

Austin Peay Women's Volleyball's Jada Stotts. (Courtesy: Brittney Sparn/APSU Sports Information)
Austin Peay Women’s Volleyball’s Jada Stotts. (Courtesy: Brittney Sparn/APSU Sports Information)

The Lady Govs received eight of a possible 24 first-place votes and totaled 107 points after finishing second in the West Division last season. Southeast Missouri was picked to repeat as West Division champions, receiving the remaining 16 first-place votes and tallying 124 points. Picked behind APSU were Eastern Illinois (99 points), SIU Edwardsville (62), UT Martin (61) and Murray State (38).

“We appreciate being picked second and the recognition that comes with that,” said Lady Govs head coach Taylor Mott. “However, once the season starts it comes down to getting it done on the court. I believe we have the pieces in place to accomplish what we want this season.”

Belmont, the defending OVC tournament champion, was picked to win the East Division while defending regular-season champion Morehead State was tabbed to finish second in the east.

Stotts was the Lady Govs lone representative on the Preseason All-OVC team and returns after posting a 419-kill campaign in 2012. She is ranked second among the league’s returning hitters in kills, trailing only Tennessee State outside hitter Naomi Wells, who also was selected to the preseason squad.

“Jada had an impressive season last year and it is nice to see her receive recognition for her effort,” said Mott. “There is pressure that comes from being recognized as one of the league’s top players and I believe she will rise to the occasion this season. That said, I also believe we have other key contributors on this team who will be important for our success and will be in the conversation for All-OVC honors at the end of the year.”

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