The Lady Govs showed signs of determination in their first home match, but a slow start was the deciding factor in defeat.
APSU fell to Chattanooga, 3-1, on Tuesday, the first appearance at the Dunn Center after 11 consecutive away matches to begin the season. The Mocs committed 16 fewer errors than the home team, with their steady play in the first two sets leading them to victory.
Even with the home crowd chanting in the background, it took the Lady Govs some time to settle in. Despite competing with their opponent early on, it was a period of four-straight points scored by UTC that allowed the visitors to pull away for a 25-21 win in the first set.
The second set was a battle throughout, featuring a strong comeback by APSU in which they scored six points in a row with Hillary Plybon serving. However, when it came down to the wire, the Mocs pulled through to take a 2-0 lead heading into the break.
Set number three was dominated by APSU with a new-found spirit coming out of the locker room. The Lady Govs scored 19 points before UTC reached double-digits, leading to a 25-12 edge. But in the fourth, though it was a close set, the Mocs scored seven of the last eight points to walk away with the win.
Junior Samantha Strother led the Lady Govs in kills with 16, including a .433 attack percentage, while Aubrey Marsellis recorded 45 assists.
APSU (3-9) will next travel to Knoxville to take part in the UT Invitational, playing four teams in three days beginning on Thursday, Sept. 18.
