CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? Austin Peay State University's volleyball team experienced a lackluster performance and suffered its season's first sweep, falling 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-18), to Tennessee Tech in a battle of first-place Ohio Valley Conference squads.

Austin Peay falls into third place with the loss at 9-3 in conference play and 17-7 overall. Tennessee Tech remains tied atop the conference standings with Morehead State, improving to 10-2 in league play and 13-9 overall.

Tennessee Tech's offensive effort was denoted by an impressive 53-33 margin in kills. The Golden eagles had 16 or more kills in each of the three set, including 19 in the decisive third set. The Golden Eagles added a .254 hitting percentage while limiting the Lady Govs to a .143 attack percentage.

“Tennessee Tech did a good job adjusting throughout the match,” said Lady Govs head coach Jenny Hazelwood. “We would get kills one way and they'd make the adjustment and when we'd change things up they were quick to make another adjustment. That was something we didn't do as well at today, but good teams are able to make those adjustments. This is the best I've seen Tennessee Tech play, they came ready today.”

Junior transfer Stephanie Champine led Austin Peay with 10 kills, the only APSU player to reach double-digit kills. Austin Peay's 33 kills were a season-low and its .143 attack percentage was the lowest since a loss to Lipscomb, Sept. 2.

“These girls have worked hard and they've been pretty consistent,” said Hazelwood. “I guess they wouldn't be human if they didn't have an off night, I'd just would have preferred if it wasn't everyone at the same time ? that's what it felt like today ? that everyone had an off-night. From the first set I didn't feel like we were fighting like we have been and that's something we have to do every night in this conference is come out and fight.”

Leah Meffert and Amanda Lindgren each had 14 kills to pace the Tennessee Tech offense. Katie Kinline recorded 33 digs in the three-set match, part of a 74-dig performance by the Golden Eagles.

Austin Peay returns to action with a 7 p.m., Friday contest at Tennessee Martin.