Austin Peay Sports Information
Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team finds itself in a jumbled pack for fourth place in the Ohio Valley Conference race, but its 3:00pm (CT), Saturday regular-season finale at Eastern Kentucky will give it an opportunity to rise above the pack.
The Lady Govs saw their spot in the OVC Volleyball Championship secured courtesy Eastern Illinois’ victory against SIUE, Tuesday, meaning that Saturday’s contest is all about seeding… and going into the tournament with a win.
“We haven’t played our best these last two matches,” said Lady Govs head coach Taylor Mott. “All the little things we aren’t doing right are adding up and costing us right now. We spent the last couple of days focusing on the little things, particularly passing, so they won’t hurt us in the next week.”
Saturday will be the final regular-season contest for Austin Peay’s four seniors – setter Cami Fields, middle blocker Liz Landon, outside hitter Jada Stotts and middle blocker Hillary Plybon. Stotts (8th, 1,174 kills) and Plybon (20th, 776) are ranked among the program’s top 20 in kills
In addition, Stotts (14th, 1,134 digs) and Fields (18th, 988) are among the Lady Govs top defenders, with both listed among APSU’s top 20 in digs.
“This senior class weathered some tough times when they first got here,” said Mott. “But they persevered and will leave this program with a solid foundation once again. As a group, they have a few more opportunities to improve their legacy, not just Saturday, but in next week’s conference tournament.”
Eastern Kentucky (20-13, 10-5 OVC) enters the finale with third-place in the OVC race locked up. The Colonels secured the spot with a win against Morehead state, Wednesday, which also was their third straight home win. EKU owns an 8-2 record at McBrayer Arena this season, including a 6-1 record in league play.
“This final match won’t be easy,” said Mott. “I expect Eastern Kentucky to come out with a lot of energy. They have a group of seniors that have contributed heavily to their success this season and I’m sure will look to put an exclamation mark in their final home match. We have to be ready to match their energy level.”
Senior outside hitter Alexis Plagens leads the Colonels offense with 431 kills this season, but has improved her play in conference action. She is averaging 3.74 kills per set in league play after averaging just 3.22 kills per set in nonconference action. Plagens is joined by junior middle blocker Rachel Vick (2.87 kills per set) and freshman outside hitter Celina Sanks (2.14 kills per set), who are each averaging more than two kills per set in league play.
Broadcast Information
Watch Live on the OVC Digital Network
Video – Cami Fields
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOyE45OKVRw[/youtube]
