NASHVILLE - It was an off-night for Austin Peay State University's volleyball team in a three-set loss (25-11, 26-24, 25-16) to Lipscomb, Wednesday, at Allen Arena.

Lipscomb (5-6) jumped out of the gate quickly as it scored  five of the opening set's first six points. The Lady Bisons lead grew to 10-2 before senior outside hitter Ilyanna Hernandez recorded a pair of kills to stem the tide. However, Austin Peay was unable to get closer the rest of the way, losing the opening set 25-11.

Austin Peay (2-9) used a strong defensive effort in the second set to grab its first lead of the match at 5-4. The Lady Govs maintained that lead until Lipscomb used a 8-3 run to take a 13-10 lead. Austin Peay did not wilt and later rallied from a 20-17 deficit to tie the set 21-21. The Lady Govs even got to set point, 24-23, but could not find the winning point, committing a service error before Lipscomb closed the set with a service ace and a kill to win, 26-24.

The third set saw Lipscomb again jump out to a 5-1 lead. Austin Peay didn't allow the set to get as out of hand as the first, but also were unable to close the gap and surrendered the third set, 25-16.

Austin Peay's offense had its troubles throughout the night, finishing the match with just 27 kills while posting a .110 attack percentage. Hernandez led the Lady Govs with nine kills.

Lipscomb also had little difficulty with Austin Peay's defense, posting a .340 attack percentage and 46 kills. Lauren Ford led the Lady Bisons with 14 kills and a .379 attack percentage.

Austin Peay returns to action with a 6 p.m., Friday, Ohio Valley Conference opener at Eastern Kentucky.

-AP-