Murray State played nearly point for point with Austin Peay at Racer Arena on Tuesday night.
After losing the first two sets by slim margins, the Racers came back in the third to win 25-19. Murray State never let the Governors get even three points ahead in the fourth frame, yet lost 25-23 for a match loss of 3-1.
Head Coach David Schwepker said the women were not recognizing the repetitive plays the Governors were making in the final frame. He thinks their inability to adapt to Austin Peay’s system cost Murray State the game.
Although the loss was difficult for the Racers, the women fought for every point and showed teamwork in the worst of moments. After sometimes struggling to communicate during the game against Jacksonville State, the Racers seemed to work together against Austin Peay.
Alyssa Lelm, freshman middle blocker, had 12 kills and zero errors out of 19 total attempts, leaving her with a high .632 attack percentage. Senior setter Lia Havili had 54 assists out of the 55 total for the team. The second highest attack percentage came from freshman middle blocker Michelle Lazorchak with 12 kills.
Senior Lydia Orf and junior Katlyn Hudson led the team defensively with 29 digs together.
At one point in the third set, the Racers had three kills, a strategically placed push and an ace, all back to back. Each match, Murray State’s attack errors dropped and hitting percentage increased.
The Racers will face Morehead State away on Saturday, Sept. 29. Currently, Morehead is 2-0 in the OVC while the Racers are 1-2.
Lexy Gross, Staff Writer