RICHMOND, Ky. - Sophomore Bridget Mustard recorded her first-ever 20+ kill game as the Eastern Kentucky volleyball team defeated Austin Peay 3-2 (25-30, 27-30, 30-26, 30-18, 16-14) this afternoon in McBrayer Arena. The Colonels improve to 12-12, 5-5 in the OVC while the Lady Govs drop to 3-19, 1-9 in the league.

Mustard was one of three Colonel players with double-figure kills, ending the day with 20. Seniors Jessica Sabath and Denise Grundhoefer finished with 21 and 19, respectively, as Grundhoefer set a new career-best. Senior Kelly Jennings added a season-best 69 assists while junior Brittany Nobilio recorded a career-high 48 digs.

Eastern Kentucky jumped to a 4-1 lead in the first game but the Lady Govs knotted the score at six off a Colonel attack error and took a lead they wouldn't relinquish one play later with a kill from Leanne Kreps. Austin Peay took a nine-point lead, its largest of the contest at 25-16 with a kill from Dorota Szymska before the Colonels' cut their deficit to just three (28-25) off a Sabath kill. The Lady Govs scored the next two points though with consecutive kills to earn the win.

In the second game, the Lady Govs scored the first four points and held a slight lead until Eastern Kentucky tied the score at 16 with a Mustard kill. Following two more tie scores, Austin Peay pulled back ahead at 29-24 after two kills and a pair of Colonel errors. The Colonels scored three unanswered points but Austin Peay put the game away with a kill from Szymska.

In game three, the Lady Govs built a quick three-point advantage but the Colonels evened the score at five off a kill from Mustard. After six more tie scores, Austin Peay went back in front until Eastern Kentucky tied the game at 21 with a service ace from Jennings. The Colonels outscored Austin Peay 9-5 to earn the victory.

Eastern Kentucky held a commanding lead throughout game four, going ahead by double-digits at 20-10 with a Grundhoefer kill before cruising to the 30-18 victory.

The Colonels stayed in front to open game five but the Lady Govs tied the score at 11. After four tie scores, Eastern Kentucky earned the conference win with a Lady Gov attack error and a kill from Mustard.

Szymska led Austin Peay with 21 kills and Kristin Kirch added 45 digs.

Eastern Kentucky returns to action on October 27, hosting Murray State at 7 p.m.