CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Senior Aubrey Marsellis posted a double-double but Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team could not solve the Eastern Illinois service game in a four-set loss (24-26, 25-16, 16-25, 20-25), Saturday, in Ohio Valley Conference action at the Dunn Center.
Austin Peay’s (6-15, 1-5 OVC) offense struggled for most of the match, hitting its stride only with a dominant second-set effort. The Lady Govs posted 14 kills, but at a .444 attack percentage, in the frame along with five service aces to pull away for a 25-16 victory to level the match at one set each.
The Lady Govs nearly had a 2-0 lead in the match, but saw the first set get away. Austin Peay had set point at 24-21 but could not finish the frame. Eastern Illinois scored the final five points with three kills, a block and a service ace to win 26-24.
Eastern Illinois (8-12, 4-2 OVC) made an adjustment at halftime to its service attack and Austin Peay was unable to respond. The Panthers serving kept Austin Peay out of its offense, resulting in a minus-.054 attack in the third set and a .150 attack percentage in the third set. Despite APSU’s offensive woes, Eastern Illinois needed an 11-2 run to break open the third set and a 6-2 run to claim the fourth frame.
Senior Aubrey Marsellis paced Austin Peay with a 13-kill, 18-assist, three service ace performance. Sophomore Ashley Slay added a 13-kill performance. Austin Peay was held to 47 kills and posted a .164 attack percentage.
Chelsea Lee led Eastern Illinois with a match-best 14 kills. Allie Hueston added 11 kills at a .529 attack percentage. The Panthers finished with 58 kills and a .282 attack percentage.
Austin Peay continues its four-match homestand in six days when it hosts Tennessee State in a 6 p.m., Friday contest.