Govs Open ASUN Competition with Road Matches against North Alabama, Central Arkansas
FLORENCE, Ala. – Austin Peay State University volleyball begins its ASUN Conference schedule this weekend with matches at North Alabama and Central Arkansas, kicking off head coach amstutz’s inaugural season against a pair of familiar opponents. The Governors face the Lions on Friday before traveling to Conway, Arkansas, for a Sunday matchup against the Bears.
Austin Peay (2-7) enters conference play seeking its first road win of the season. The team is led by Brooklynn Merrell, who recorded 15 assists and four aces in recent matches, contributing to the Governors’ ASUN-leading 1.96 aces per set and 92 total team aces – ranking 26th and 20th nationally, respectively. Reagan Anderson currently ranks third in the ASUN with 192 digs and fourth with 4.09 digs per set. These matches mark the start of a crucial stretch for the governors as they navigate a competitive ASUN landscape.
Historically, Austin Peay holds a 7-3 record against North Alabama in 11 all-time meetings, but the Lions have won the last two contests. Against central Arkansas, the Governors trail 4-2 in a series of six previous matchups, with the Bears claiming victories in both encounters last season.
North Alabama (6-7) is 2-1 at home, coming off a 3-2 loss to liberty.They finished 9-7 in ASUN play last year, defeating Austin Peay twice before falling to Lipscomb in the ASUN Tournament quarterfinals. Central Arkansas (3-7) is 2-2 at home and recently secured a 3-2 win over oklahoma. The Bears dominated the ASUN last season with a 13-3 record, also twice defeating the Governors, before being eliminated by Lipscomb in the tournament semifinals.
Following this road trip, the Governors return home to host Eastern Kentucky and Bellarmine on October 3rd and 4th. Fans can follow the team’s progress on X and Instagram (@GovsVolleyball) or at LetsGoPeay.com.
