SAINT LOUIS, Mo. - Austin Peay State University first-year head coach Evan Amstutz picked up his first career win with a 3-2 decision against Murray State, Saturday, at the Billiken Invitational.
Murray State quickly took control of the first set, going up 19-13 on Austin Peay. Kills by Taly Cloyd, Nya Browne, and Reaghan Larkin got the Govs as close as 20-16, but ultimately the Racers would take the 25-17 first set win.
The two teams went back-and-forth to open the second set, until a kill by Cloyd got the Govs within one at 14-13. The Racers began to pull away from the Govs with a trio of kills by Frederica Nuccio, giving Murray State the 25-19 set win and the 2-0 lead on the match.
The Governors opened the third set quickly, going up 8-3 on the Racers. A 7-2 run by Murray State tied the set at 10, but the Govs responded by taking the set's following eight points to lead 18-10. The Govs would continue to dominate the third set, taking the 25-14 win.
The fourth set saw nine ties and three lead changes. A kill from Lauren Wallace and a block by Wallace and Nicole Okojie gave the Govs an 18-17 lead. The two teams shot for shot, tying the set again at 21. Kills by Dani Kopacz would provide the Govs with the 25-23 fourth set win, tying the match at 2-2.
The Govs and the Racers were tied early in the fifth set at 3, but the Govs never trailed the remainder of the match. A kill by Cloyd gave them a three-point lead at 9-6, as a kill from Ella Vogel would cut the Racers' deficit to one at 10-9. Kills by Kopacz, Wallace, and Sianna Dykes ended giving the Govs the 15-10 fifth set win to take the 3-2 win.
Match Points
For news and updates on coach Amstutz's inaugural season, follow the volleyball team on X and Instagram (@GovsVolleyball) or check back in at LetsGoPeay.com.
