APSU Sports: Women’s Volleyball
Indianapolis, IN – Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team faltered late in a four-set loss (19-25, 25-22, 14-25, 27-29) to Central Michigan, Friday afternoon, at the Butler Invitational.
Austin Peay (2-6) was consistent in the match’s first two sets, which were both close affairs ultimately decided by APSU’s defensive effort. Central Michigan’s (3-3) offense was left unchecked in the opening set – posting 16 kills and a .344 attack percentage – and posted a 25-19 victory.
After the break, the Lady Govs offense fell apart. Austin Peay committed 10 attack errors and scored only nine kills in the third set. Central Michigan ran out to an 8-1 lead, only to watch the Lady Govs narrow the deficit to 11-8 thanks to a pair of service aces by senior libero Paige Economos. However, the Chippewas closed the set with a 13-4 run.
But the fourth set may be the one that haunts Austin Peay long after this match. After falling behind early again, the Lady Govs made an incredible 12-1 run to take a 23-17 lead. Austin Peay would get the first shot at set point at 24-21 after a Central Michigan attach error. But CMU held off three straight set point opportunities and tied the set 24-24 to force overtime.
The Lady Govs would have two more set-point chances in extra time, but could not capitalize. Central Michigan ended the match on its second match-point try, forcing an Austin Peay attack error. After getting to set point, Austin Peay committed four attack errors, including three attacks into a Central Michigan block.
Junior outside hitter Nikki Doyle led the Lady Govs with a 15-kill outing, her eighth consecutive double-digit kill outing to start the season. Freshman middle blocker Hillary Plybon followed up a strong effort in her last outing with a 12-kill performance.
Lindsey Dulude led Central Michigan with 14 kills.
Austin Peay returns to action quickly with a 4:30pm (CT) contest against host Butler.
