THE LEAD
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Austin Peay State University's volleyball team notched its season's first victory with a three-set (25-11, 25-14, 25-10) victory against Savannah State, Friday afternoon in the opening match of the Blazer Invitational at Bartow Arena.
WHO GOVERNED
Freshman setter Kristen Stucker made her first career start and finished with 23 assists on Austin Peay's 28 kills while also posting a service ace and two digs. .
HOW IT HAPPENED
Austin Peay controlled the first and third sets in wire-to-wire fashion. Savannah State led the early going of the second set, building a three-point advantage, but Austin Peay scored five straight points to take control of the frame.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
All 13 available players saw action with 10 Lady Govs recording a kill in the match while 12 were responsible for a point.
Sophomore outside hitter Ashley Slay led Austin Peay in kills (six) for the third time this season and for the second consecutive match.
THE QUOTABLE TAYLOR MOTT
"It's always good to get the first win. Everyone we put into the match contributed. Kristen (Stucker) did a great job running our offense throughout the match."
THE FULL RECAP
Austin Peay (1-4) controlled the momentum for most of the match. The Lady Govs won the first and third sets in wire-to-wire fashion. Austin Peay needed 11 kills and a .391 attack percentage to win the opening set.
Savannah State (0-6) challenged early in the second set, building a three-point lead twice. Austin Peay would gain control with a five-point run to take a 10-8 lead it would not relinquish. The Lady Govs would carry that momentum into a third set it again controlled in wire-to-wire fashion.
Ten Austin Peay players recorded a kill in the match and the full complement of 13 players saw action. Sophomore outside hitter Ashley Slay's six kills led the Lady Govs effort for a second-straight match. Freshman setter Kristen Stucker made her first start and provided 23 assists on 28 APSU kills.
Christian Lyle had five kills to lead Savannah State's offense, which was held to 18 kills and a minus-.037 attack percentage.
Austin Peay continues play at the Blazer Invitational when it meets Florida International in an 11 a.m., Saturday contest.
