Clarksville, TN – Riding its season’s first two-match win streak, Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team puts it on the line when it hosts Eastern Kentucky in a 2:00pm, Saturday contest at the Dunn Center.
Head coach Taylor Mott was impressed with her team’s balanced performance as four players recorded 15-plus kills in the affair.
“I was pleased with how Cami (Fields, setter) was able to keep us balanced offensively,” said Mott. “She spread the ball around and was able to find the hot hitter at the right moment. Our offense is all the better when Cami is playing with the intensity she showed Tuesday.”
The Lady Govs received strong performances from the outside hitter duo of senior Calyn Hull and junior Jada Stotts, who each recorded 16 kills and finished with attack percentages better than .250. On the other side of the net, redshirt freshman Sammie Ebright posted a career-high 16 kills.
However, it was junior Liz Landon’s performance that set the tone as the middle blocker recorded 15 kills in an errorless performance that saw her hit .625. It was the third time in three weeks Landon has posted a career-high kill total.
“Our hitters came out ready and had one of their best performances this season,” said Mott. “I was particularly impressed with our efficiency; we kept our errors to a minimum and put a lot of pressure on Murray State’s defense. It is an outing we can take a lot away from as we get ready for a tough stretch.”
Scouting the Opposition
Eastern Kentucky (7-10, 1-2 OVC East) brings back-to-back losses into Saturday’s affair, the final match in a 14-match road trip during which it has posted a 3-11 mark. The Colonels opened OVC play with a divisional victory at Tennessee State before falling in divisional affairs at Belmont and Morehead State.
“We know when facing Eastern Kentucky that you have to slow down their two outside hitters,” said Mott. “I don’t believe you can stop them completely, but you have to slow them down. Our focus the last week has been about our block and that showed against Murray State. Saturday will be a big test for our front-row players.”
Last Season’s Meeting & Series History
Eastern Kentucky swept last season’s meeting in three sets, its fourth victory in the last five meetings with Austin Peay. Nikki Doyle was the only Lady Govs hitter to find double-digits with 14 kills. Edmond led Eastern Kentucky with 10 kills but five hitters posted six-plus kills. EKU leads the all-time series by a 39-24 margin. The Lady Govs do own a 13-11 edge in Clarksville, winning the last time the two teams played in the Dunn Center during the 2011 season.
On the Web
Saturday’s contest can be seen on the OVC Digital Network, the OVC’s free nationwide ipTV service available on any computer or mobile device. In addition, live statistics will be available at LetsGoPeay.com, Austin Peay’s official athletics website.
