CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Despite equaling its season low with eight attack errors, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville volleyball team couldn't overcome a focused Austin Peay offense.

The Cougars were defeated in three sets 25-21, 25-15, 25-15. Austin Peay collected 51 kills in the three-set match to SIUE's 28.

"We played smart and in control," said SIUE Head Coach Todd Gober. "but we couldn't get good swings. It was just a matter that we were out of system the whole match."

SIUE, 13-15, now heads to Nashville, Tenn., to close out the 2010 season. The Cougars meet Ohio Valley Conference rival Tennessee State in the first-ever meeting between the two squads. The first serve is scheduled for noon.

Senior right-side hitter Sydney Winslow led the Cougars with eight kills. Julia Whitfield, who was coming off a season-best performance at Western Illinois, finished with seven kills. SIUE hit .220 for the match.

SIUE's eight attack errors matched its season low set during the Sept. 21 home match against Chicago State.

Austin Peay improved to 24-6 for the season. Outside hitter Nikki Doyleled all players with 15 kills. She hit .625 for the match with no attack errors. Ilyanna Hernandez and Jessica Mollman joined Doyle in double figures kills with 13 and 11, respectively. The Governors hit .398 as a team and committed 12 attack errors.

The Governors kept the Cougars off balance with their serving. Austin Peay finished with eight services , including four from Sarah Alisaleh.

"The whole difference was serve and serve receive," said Gober. "They were very aggressive with their serving."

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