BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Austin Peay State University's women's basketball team began its 2026-27 season with an opening-day win at Campbell, which was led by senior Veronaye Charlton's 17-point, six-steal performance, earning a 62-47 victory inside Gore Arena.
The Governors took advantage of their strong defensive effort, forcing 31 Campbell turnovers, which led to 30 Austin Peay points. Both Charlton and sophomore Jim'Miyah Branton recorded five or more steals. Charlton led Austin Peay in scoring with 17 points. She was followed in scoring by Clearia Peterson's 12-point performance and Jade Rucker's nine.
Peterson led the Govs with 11 rebounds, leading her to her first double-double as a Gov, while Charlton led Austin Peay with four assists.
Four of Austin Peay's first five baskets of the afternoon came from four different Governors, with Tish Blackwood, Jade Rucker, Peterson, and Charlton, all finding the points column in the first quarter. Rucker's layup gave the Govs a 6-4 lead, and the Govs did not look back, as they held the lead for the remainder of the game – a total time of 36:19.
The first three-pointer of the season came from Charlton with 3:27 left to play in the first half, which extended Austin Peay's advantage to 16 points, making it a 31-15 game. It was the first of two threes the senior guard would make in the game, as she drained another two minutes later at the 1:17 mark in the quarter.
Coming into the second half leading 38-19, Campbell made three shots from the field in the first three minutes of the half. But not before Branton and Peterson went on a 6-0 scoring run, shaving off just under two minutes off the clock. Freshman Jasia Ross scored the last Governor basket at the 1:07 mark in the third quarter, giving the Governors their largest lead of the night at 24 points.
A quartet of Govs in Rucker, Charlton, Branton, and Blackwood all got in the points in the final frame for a total of seven points, while the Camels outscored the Govs by putting up 14 in their final effort. But it was not enough as the Govs held on for a 62-47 victory to begin the new season.
THE DIFFERENCE
Ball control. The Governors only turned the ball over just 10 times, while Campbell turned the ball over 31 times – 19 times through the first half alone. Austin Peay took advantage by scoring 30 off of turnovers, compared to Campbell's seven.
BOX SCORE BULLETS
- Austin Peay improved to 21-31 in season openers, dating back to the 1976-77 season.
- The Governors have now won back-to-back openers after beating Sewanee at home last season 115-46.
- Eight of the 11 Governors who saw the hardwood put points on the board, with six scoring at least five points.
- Charlton recorded her first-career game with at least five steals, totaling a career-high six.
- Rucker, Charlton, Kiara Croskey, Blackwood, and Peterson earned the starting nod in the opener.
- The start was Croskey, Blackwood, and Peterson's first start as Governors.
- Croskey, Blackwood, Peterson, Brilee Price, Andrea Guilford, Franziska Kelly, and Jasia Ross played in their first games at APSU.
UP NEXT
Austin Peay is back at The Vault as it opens its home schedule with a 6 p.m., Nov. 6 home opener against Southeastern Baptist on Gary Mathews Court at F&M Bank Arena.
FOLLOW THE GOVS ON SOCIALS
For news and updates throughout the 2026-27 season, follow the Govs on X and Instagram (@GovsWBB) or check back at LetsGoPeay.com. Also, make sure to download the new Let's Go Peay app in the Apple of Google Play Store today to stay connected with all things around Austin Peay Athletics.
