CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Austin Peay State University's volleyball team dropped its first Ohio Valley Conference contest, 3-2 (25-13, 19-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-11), to Jacksonville State, Saturday, at the Dunn Center.

Austin Peay's (11-5, 5-1 OVC) normally stout defense had its hands full with a well-balanced Jacksonville State offensive attack. Meanwhile, the Lady Govs offense had another error-filled outing, committing 20 errors and hitting only .208 - their lowest attack percentage since their last loss against Loyola (Ill.), Sept. 12.

Jacksonville State (13-5, 7-0 OVC) had four players finish with double-digit kills and recorded a .265 attack percentage - the highest percentage by an APSU opponent since the season's first weekend. The Gamecocks also recorded nine service aces and won both sides of the defensive battle, posting an 82-67 advantage in digs and a 8-7 margin in blocks.

Senior outside hitter Stephanie Champine, senior opposite hitter Kirstin Distler and sophomore outside hitter Ilyanna Hernandez each recorded 15 kills to lead Austin Peay's offensive effort. Champine was well-defended throughout the match, committing 10 errors and was limited to a .089 attack percentage. Hernandez committed just one attack error on 35 attempts to finish with a team-best .400 attack percentage.

Senior outside hitter Brittney Whitten and junior middle blocker Caitllin Vorbeck each had 14 kills to lead Jacksonville State. Freshman outside hitter Alyx Schulter (12 kills) and junior middle blocker Kara Slater (11) also reached double-digit kill territory.

Austin Peay concludes its four-match homestand when it hosts Eastern Kentucky in a 7 p.m., Tuesday, contest.

- AP -