Austin Peay State University athletics had another full week of competition from March 23-29, with teams competing in conference and non-conference play. Here is a recap of how the Governors performed.
Baseball
Austin Peay’s baseball team played four games this week, including a weekend Atlantic Sun Conference series at Central Arkansas. Tuesday, March 24, the Govs fell to No. 22 Alabama, 6-2, at Toyota Field. Austin Peay bounced back Friday, March 27, with a series-opening win, as junior pitcher Cody Airington threw a career-high seven innings. The Govs built an early lead behind RBI from Cole Johnson and Paris Pridgen, while Zion Taylor added a solo home run. Saturday, March 28, Austin Peay fell 8-0, as Central Arkansas forced a rubber match. The Govs responded Sunday, March 29, with an 8-4 win to secure the series. Ray Velazquez hit two home runs, while Trevor Conley and Mason Pangborn added key hits. Junior DJ Merriweather earned the win after striking out seven batters, and Jackson Hohensee closed out the game.
Softball
Austin Peay’s softball team played four games this week, highlighted by a strong midweek win and a conference series against Central Arkansas. Wednesday, March 25, the Govs defeated Murray State, 7-2, behind a performance from junior Brie Howard, who hit two home runs and recorded four RBI. Friday, March 27, Austin Peay fell 7-5 in Game 1 against Central Arkansas despite a late rally, but Howard broke the program’s single-season RBI record during the game. Saturday, March 28, the Govs dropped a 10-4 decision after Central Arkansas used a big inning to pull away. Austin Peay closed the weekend Sunday, March 29, with an 11-3 win, scoring nine runs across the fourth and fifth innings. Sammie Shelander hit a home run, Shelby Allen recorded three RBI, and Alanah Jones pitched a complete game in the win.
Men’s Golf
Austin Peay’s men’s golf team hosted the Austin Peay Intercollegiate at GreyStone Golf Club. Monday, March 23, the Govs sat in eighth place after the first two rounds, led by Jack Dyer, who was near the top of the individual leaderboard. Tuesday, March 24, Austin Peay shot five-under as a team in the final round to finish eighth overall. Dyer finished tied for fifth with a career-best performance, while Zach Olsen finished in the top 10. Following the tournament, Dyer was named Atlantic Sun Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week after posting a career-best finish and recording multiple eagles during the event.
Women’s Golf
Austin Peay’s women’s golf team competed in the Nashville Invitational at Hermitage Golf Course. Monday, March 23, the Govs were in eighth place after the opening two rounds, led by Abby Hirtzel. Tuesday, March 24, Austin Peay shot 306 in the final round to finish in 10th place. Hirtzel led the Govs with a top-25 finish, while Ella Arnzen and Jillian Breedlove also placed inside the top 35.
Women’s Lacrosse
Austin Peay’s lacrosse team played two conference games this week. Thursday, March 26, the Govs fell to Queens, 19-4, at Dickson Field. Sophia Schwab and Fiona Lemke each scored, while Tori Ross recorded nine draw controls. Saturday, March 28, Austin Peay dropped a 17-5 decision to Coastal Carolina. Lemke scored twice, while Schwab added two goals, and goalkeeper Erin-Kate Roeder recorded multiple saves.
Beach Volleyball
Austin Peay’s beach volleyball team competed in the Shoals Beach Bash, finishing the weekend with a 2-2 record. Friday, March 27, the Govs defeated Tusculum and Spring Hill by identical 4-1 scores. Multiple pairings secured straight-set wins, while Bailey Hope and Ashley Boswell earned a three-set victory to clinch the match against Spring Hill. Saturday, March 28, Austin Peay fell in a close 3-2 match to Eastern Kentucky, despite wins from multiple courts. The Govs then dropped a 5-0 decision to North Alabama to close the tournament.
Men’s Tennis
Friday, March 27, Austin Peay’s men’s tennis team fell 4-0 to Kentucky at Vanderbilt’s Curry Tennis Center. The Wildcats secured the doubles point with wins on multiple courts before clinching the match with straight-set victories in singles play, leaving the remaining matches unfinished.
Women’s Tennis
Austin Peay’s women’s tennis team played two matches this weekend in Florida. Saturday, March 28, the Govs fell 4-0 to Florida International after dropping the doubles point and early singles matches. Sunday, March 29, Austin Peay dropped a 5-2 decision to No. 56 North Florida. Despite the loss, Pauline Bruns and Elena Thiel each earned singles victories, both coming in three-set matches.
Soccer
Austin Peay’s soccer team competed in a spring match Saturday, March 28, falling 3-2 to Southern Illinois at Morgan Bros. Field.
