CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – SIUE posted its season best .224 hitting percentage in Ohio Valley Conference volleyball Saturday but couldn't get by Austin Peay Saturday.

The Governors took care of their home turf Saturday with a 25-20, 25-22, 25-19 victory over SIUE. The Cougars, which finished with 43 kills, fell to 7-12 overall and 3-5 in the OVC. Austin Peay is now .500 overall with a 12-12 record and a 5-3 record in the OVC.

The two teams play a second time in six days at SIUE's Vadalabene Center. The first serve is set for Friday at 7 p.m.

SIUE's .224 hitting percentage was the sixth best in a match this season and tops for an OVC match. SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson said her team took big swings from all over the net.

"I thought we played level and steady headed," Johnson said.

Kelsey Augustine led SIUE's offense with 12 kills. The junior middle blocker hit .333 for the match and added one SIUE's two service aces.

Johnson said she was pleased with the play of defenders Chelsea Colclasure and Haley Norris for their defensive effort. Colclasure led the Cougars with 24 digs. Norris added 11.

Nikki Doyle sparked the Austin Peay offense with 21 kills and a .400 hitting percentage. Austin Peay hit .324 as a team with 46 kills and just 10 attack errors.