CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Redshirt junior Christina White posted 17 kills as Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team eked out a five-set Ohio Valley Conference victory (25-19, 24-26, 25-21, 17-25, 19-17) against SIUE, Friday night at the Dunn Center.
Austin Peay (12-2, 1-0 OVC) had to fend off a pair of match points in the fifth set with freshman Brooke Moore supplying a kill and an SIUE error helping to extend the match. White followed the SIUE error with a kill to give the Govs control with a match point opportunity at 16-15.
SIUE (10-3, 0-1 OVC) staved off a pair of match points as Jackie Scott delivered a pair of kills. But Austin Peay forced a SIUE attack error to get a third chance at 18-17 and junior Kristen Stucker ended the match with a service ace for the 19-17 win.
The matchup of the OVC’s top middle blockers – Austin Peay’s Ashley Slay and SIUE’s Taylor Joens – was essentially fought to a draw with Slay 14 kills and a .149 attack percentage while Joens had 13 kills and a .216 attack percentage.
Instead, it was special teams play that decided the match with Austin Peay receiving credit for nine service aces while SIUE finished with two aces. The Govs also held a 10-8 advantage in blocks. White led the Govs with three service aces while chipping in on two blocks.
White posted her season’s sixth double-double with the team-leading 17 kills and 16 digs. Slay added a team-best five blocks while senior Allie O’Reilly had a team-best 24 digs.
Four SIUE hitters finished with double-digit kills, Jackie Scott leading the way with 14 kills. Joens, Emily Harrison and Ashley Witt each had 13 kills.
Austin Peay finishes its quick two-match OVC homestand with a 2 p.m., Saturday match against Eastern Illinois.