LIONS OPEN ASUN BEACH VOLLEYBALL WITH SPLIT

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn., – The University of North Alabama's first ASUN beach volleyball matches each came down to a fifth set Thursday as the Lions split a pair of 3-2 decisions at Austin Peay. The Lions held off an ASPU rally to win the opener before the host Governors avoided the sweep with a 3-2 win in the second match. UNA is now 5-7 on the season and 1-1 in ASUN play.

In the opener, UNA took an early lead after victories at the No. 4 and No. 5 positions. Austin Peay, however, rallied to tie the match at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, setting up a winner-take-all at the top spot. Sophia Brandstetter and Paula Klemperer clinched the match for the Lions with a 21-11, 21-15 victory.

The second match went back and forth throughout. Ava Carnley and Libby Jump gave UNA an early 1-0 lead with a 21-16, 21-16 win at No. 4. After ASPU tied the match with a win at No. 5, Brandstetter and Klemperer again came through for the Lions. The 21-14, 21-14 victory at the top spot gave UNA a 2-1 lead and also gave the duo a 10-3 record on the season, including a 2-0 start in ASUN play.

The Governors, however, rallied again. An ASPU win at No. 3 put the No. 2 position in the spotlight, where ASPU's Brooke Moore and Ciera Koons outlasted UNA's Ashtyn Kapovich and Joise Maldonado in three sets, 21-17, 20-22, 15-12.

UNA will host its first-ever beach volleyball match on Saturday. The Lions will welcome Jacksonville State to town for a pair of ASUN matches beginning at noon.

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Players Mentioned

#3 Libby Jump: DS/S; 5' 7"; Junior

#14 Ashtyn Kapovich: 5' 5"; Senior

#11 Paula Klemperer: 5' 6"; Freshman

#2 Sophia Brandstetter: 5' 8"; Freshman

#21 Ava Carnley: 5' 5"; Senior

#23 Joise Maldonado: 6' 2"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#3 Libby Jump
: 5' 7"; Junior
: DS/S

#14 Ashtyn Kapovich
: 5' 5"; Senior

#11 Paula Klemperer
: 5' 6"; Freshman

#2 Sophia Brandstetter
: 5' 8"; Freshman

#21 Ava Carnley
: 5' 5"; Senior

#23 Joise Maldonado
: 6' 2"; Freshman