COOKEVILLE, Tenn. ? Austin Peay State University women's basketball team suffered its fourth-consecutive loss in a 69-53 defeat at Tennessee Tech, Saturday night, in Ohio Valley Conference action at the Eblen Center.

Austin Peay (13-14, 9-7 OVC) got off to a good start and led by as many as six points, 23-17, following freshman Whitney Hanley's three-point field goal with 8:34 remaining in the first half.

However, Tennessee Tech (8-20, 6-11) closed the half with a 16-3 run and took a 33-26 halftime lead. The Lady Govs hurt their own cause with 10 of their 17 possessions in the half's final 8:26 ending with a turnover. APSU also shot just 1-of-7 from the field to close the half after building their lead on 8-of-15 field goal shooting.

The Golden Eagles opened the second half with Allison Price's three-point field goal to push the margin into double digits for the first time. A Nicole Jamen field goal cut the lead to eight just seconds later, but Austin Peay would get no closer the game's remainder.

Senior April Thomas continued her fine February play, posting her fourth straight double-double with a 12-point, 13-rebound effort. Sophomore Ashley Herring led all scorers with 20 points and was the team's second leading rebounder, grabbing eight caroms.

Price led Tennessee Tech with 17 points and Blair Bowens chipped in 15 points. The Golden Eagles forced a draw on the boards (34-34) but won the turnover battle, forcing 23 APSU miscues while committing only 13.

Austin Peay returns home for its final two games of the regular season. First up is a 5:15 p.m., Thursday contest against Eastern Illinois.