Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team used six blocks en route to winning the fifth set and recording its first victory against Western Kentucky since 1997 (24-26, 25-23, 25-16, 15-25, 15-10), Tuesday night in nonconference action at the Dunn Center.
After the first four sets were a dead heat, Austin Peay (18-3) took control of the fifth as sophomore Brooke Moore supplied a pair of blocks in a three-point span to give APSU an 8-5 lead at the changeover. Western Kentucky tried to battle back and closed within a point when the Govs secured three of its final four points on blocks – senior Kristen Stucker and freshman Karli Graham combining for all the match-ending work.
After hitting better than .230 in each of the first four sets, Western Kentucky (14-8) saw its attack stymied in the fifth, scoring only six kills against seven attack errors (minus-.048 attack percentage).
The Governors claimed their victory through its special teams, posting 12 blocks and 10 service aces in the five set victory. Western Kentucky had nine blocks and seven service aces but also committed 17 service errors in the contest.
Senior Cecily Gable led Austin Peay’s offense with 13 kills. Stucker had an impressive night all around the court, posting three kills, five blocks, two service aces, and 13 digs along with 40 assists. Junior Ginny Gerig paced the service attack with five aces along with 14 digs.
Rachel Anderson led Western Kentucky with 17 kills and six blocks. Sophina Cerino added 13 kills and a pair of blocks.
Austin Peay returns to Ohio Valley Conference action with a 6 p.m., Friday contest against Jacksonville State.
Courtesy of APSU Athletics