CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Gabriella Blevins recorded two solo blocks and two block assists to lead Tennessee State's defensive effort at the net in a three-set loss to Austin Peay on Wednesday evening at the Winfield Dunn Center.
The Tigers fell 25-23, 25-13, 25-17, moving to 0-10 on the season.
Blevins accounted for a team-high five points with two kills and her four block contributions. She committed only one attacking error on six attempts to finish with a .167 hitting percentage.
Gabrielle Washington provided an efficient offensive performance, finishing with five kills and one error on 10 attacks for a team-best .400 hitting percentage. Wiktoria Jakubik led TSU with six kills and added six digs, while Sydney Robinson recorded five kills on 13 swings.
Freshman setter Triniti Jackson totaled 15 assists, five digs and three kills in her first match since earning Ohio Valley Conference Co-Rookie of the Week honors.
Tigers Battle in Opening Set
Tennessee State turned in its strongest performance of the night during a back-and-forth opening frame that featured 12 ties and four lead changes.
The Tigers recorded nine kills and remained within striking distance throughout the set. Blevins helped TSU apply pressure at the net as neither team created separation before Austin Peay secured the final two points of the 25-23 decision.
Austin Peay carried the momentum into the second set, hitting .348 with 11 kills and three attacking errors en route to a 25-13 win.
TSU improved offensively in the third, finishing with nine kills and a .108 hitting percentage. The Governors totaled 14 kills and hit .294 to close the match with a 25-17 victory.
Blevins Anchors Blocking Effort
Blevins was involved in four of Tennessee State's six block contributions, recording two solo blocks and combining on two others. Carsyn Stansberry and Jakubik each added a block assist.
Jordan Imperial led the Tigers' back row with eight digs and added two service aces. Sydni Poston also recorded two aces while finishing with three digs.
Julia Culpepper contributed five digs and three assists, while Savanna Moore converted her only attack attempt for a kill.
Tennessee State finished with 24 kills, 22 assists, four service aces, six block contributions and 30 digs.
Austin Peay (6-4) hit .270 with 39 kills. Taly Cloyd led the Governors with seven kills, while Reagan Anderson recorded 14 digs and four service aces.
Up Next
Tennessee State will travel to Huntsville, Alabama, to face Alabama A&M on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. The match will conclude the Tigers' nonconference schedule before they open Ohio Valley Conference play against Western Illinois on Oct. 2 at Kean Hall.
