Lady Govs host Tennessee State, Tuesday

APSU Sports Information: APSU Volleyball

Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team continues its five-match homestand when it hosts Tennessee State in a 6:00pm, Tuesday, Ohio Valley Conference contest at the Dunn Center.

Austin Peay (5-15, 3-6 OVC) returns to action following a thrilling three-set sweep of Murray State, Saturday. The Lady Govs improved to 2-1 during the homestand and have moved within one-game of sixth place in the league standings.

The Lady Govs have seen several players contribute during the homestand with six players averaging more than a kill per set. Freshman Jada Stotts has seen increased playing time and has taken advantage with 33 kills (2.54 kills per set) and a .228 attack percentage in the last three matches. Freshman Hillary Plybon also has played well at home with 31 kills (2.38 kills per set) and a .232 attack percentage.

However it is still junior Nikki Doyle that leads the Austin Peay offense with 46 kills (3.54 kills per set) in the last three matches. She is joined by senior Ilyanna Hernandez who has scored 38 kills (2.92 kills per set).

“I have been pleased with how our offense has been spread out during the last three matches,” said Lady Govs head coach Bill Egbert. “The more people we have involved in our offense the more difficult it will be for our opponents to shut it down.”

Defensively, senior Paige Economos also has made an impact at home with 74 digs (5.69 digs per set) and was named the OVC’s Defensive Player of the Week along with UT Martin’s Kasey Elswick. Economos also recorded five service aces and was charged with just two reception errors in 13 sets.

“Paige is starting to settle into what we’re asking her to do defensively,” said Egbert. “She really makes an impact when she’s playing at the top of her game and she showed that last week. Not only does she keep points off the board for our opponents, but she finds a way to score with her service game.”

Tennessee State (10-6, 6-3 OVC) visits the Dunn Center after defeating both Murray State and Southeast Missouri last weekend. The Tigers downed the Racers in four sets before topping the Redhawks in five sets. Those victories helped the Tigers keep pace in a tight race that has three teams, including TSU, tied for third place but only one-half game behind second-place UT Martin.

Senior Shaquita Williams leads the Tennessee State offense, averaging 3.95 kills per set while posting a .317 attack percentage. She ranks second among the league’s hitters in kills while also ranking fourth in attack percentage. Williams is one of only three players in the conference to rank among the top 10 in both categories.