Everything was there for the Lady Govs volleyball team in their home opener except for the win.

The fans in the Dunn Center made their presence known by supporting the Lady Govs as they battled to the wire against the University of Evansville Purple Aces. The Purple Aces overcame the Lady Govs in five alternating sets (21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 26-17, 14-16) in the Dunn Center on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

After the Purple Aces took a 2-1 lead, the Lady Govs headed into the fourth set dominating the court with 18 kills without an attack error, forcing a fifth and final set.

The Lady Govs had an opportunity to take the final set until they missed a serve wide, giving the Purple Aces the point, the ball and the momentum.

The Purple Aces finished the match with a kill to give the Lady Govs their fourth loss of the season 3-2.

Sophomore Ashley Slay posted a career high of 18 kills with eight blocks while junior Samantha Strother continued her strong start to her final season by adding 14 kills.

The Lady Govs put themselves in the win column for the first time this season when they traveled to Birmingham, Ala. this past weekend to participate in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Invitational.

The Lady Govs got things started with a 3-0 win against Savannah State on Friday, Sept. 4. APSU carried the momentum into Saturday, Sept. 5, when they swept Florida International in three sets. Senior Sammie Ebright and sophomore Peyton Walker were credited by Volleyball Head Coach Taylor Mott as players who brought the team much needed energy in the game.

Ebright finished with 13 digs and Walker chipped in with two service aces and seven digs.

Despite the momentum built after winning their first two games, APSU couldn’t get going in their final match of the Blazer Invitational as they fell to UAB in three sets on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Slay continued to dominate, leading both teams with 11 kills.

The Lady Govs are now 2-5 for the season. The Lady Govs take the court next on Friday, Sept. 11 in Chattanooga, Tenn.