BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Austin Peay State University's volleyball team was unable to find its offensive rhythm and fell in three sets (14-25, 15-25, 11-25) to Western Kentucky, Tuesday, at E.A. Diddle Arena.

Western Kentucky (2-2) took control of the opening set with runs of 6-0 and 5-0 as part of a larger 11-3 run that gave it a 13-5 lead. Austin Peay would battle back with a 5-0 run of its own later in the set, but could not recover all the ground lost, falling 25-14.

Austin Peay (1-4) was its own worst enemy in the second set. Four early errors gave WKU an early lead which the Hilltoppers expanded into a 14-3 lead.  The Lady Govs regained a measure of composure midway through the set and traded points, but could not get closer than nine points and the Hilltoppers won the set 25-14.

Western Kentucky used a 6-0 run early in the third set to build a 10-3 lead. The Lady Govs again gathered themselves and were able to trade points with the Hilltoppers but could not gain any ground. A spate of late Austin Peay errors finally handed control of the set to Western Kentucky which posted a 25-11 win.

"Western Kentucky is a quality team but we didn't perform at our best tonight," said Lady Govs head coach Taylor Mott. "We weren't able to get into any flow offensively. Our hitters made mistakes tonight that we didn't see in the opening weekend. We have a short turnaround before we face a tough field this weekend, but we have to make the work count."

Austin Peay's offense struggled again and recorded only 24 kills in the match. Senior outside hitter Nikki Doyle and sophomore middle blocker Hillary Plybon each had six kills to lead the offense.

Western Kentucky posted 45 kills en route to the win and put forth a balanced effort with nine players recording a kill. Heather Boyan and Jordyn Skinner had eight kills each.

Austin Peay returns to action at the Missouri State Invitational, Friday and Saturday.