Austin Peay Beach Volleyball Splits Matches on Opening Day of Classic

Govs sweep McKendree but fall to Texas A&M Kingsville in home tournament

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:48am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a beach volleyball match, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color.The Austin Peay beach volleyball team's opening day at their home classic showcased the program's depth and competitiveness.Clarksville Today

The Austin Peay State University (APSU) beach volleyball team went 1-1 on the opening day of the Austin Peay Classic, defeating McKendree 5-0 before falling to Texas A&M Kingsville later in the day.

Why it matters

The Austin Peay Classic is an important home tournament for the Govs' beach volleyball team, as they look to build momentum heading into conference play.

The details

Against McKendree, four of APSU's five courts won in straight sets, including a dominant 21-9, 21-10 victory for Bailey Hope and Ashley Boswell on Court No. 2. Grace Austin and Isabella Rusell completed the sweep with a three-set win on Court No.1. In the later match against Texas A&M Kingsville, Emma Loiars and Cami Missig won the first set on Court No.4 21-15, but fell in three sets. Grace Austin and Isabella Russell picked up their ninth win of the year with a straight set victory on Court No.1.

  • The Austin Peay Classic began on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The Govs will face Central Arkansas at noon and Tennessee Tech at 4:00pm on Saturday, April 5, 2026 to close out the tournament.

The players

Bailey Hope

An APSU beach volleyball player who teamed up with Ashley Boswell to win their 10th match of the season.

Ashley Boswell

An APSU beach volleyball player who teamed up with Bailey Hope to win their 10th match of the season.

Grace Austin

An APSU beach volleyball player who teamed up with Isabella Rusell to pick up their ninth win of the year.

Isabella Rusell

An APSU beach volleyball player who teamed up with Grace Austin to pick up their ninth win of the year.

Emma Loiars

An APSU beach volleyball player who teamed up with Cami Missig.

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What they’re saying

“Four of APSU's five courts won in straight sets, including Bailey Hope and Ashley Boswell's dominating, 21-9, 21-10 on Court No. 2, earning them both their 10th win on the season.”

— News Staff

“Grace Austin and Isabella Russell completed the sweep with a three-set win on Court No.1, winning the final set 18-16.”

— News Staff

What’s next

The Austin Peay State University beach volleyball team will face conference foe Central Arkansas at noon and Tennessee Tech at 4:00pm on Saturday, April 5, 2026 to close out the Austin Peay Classic.

The takeaway

The Govs' beach volleyball team showed their depth on the opening day of their home tournament, sweeping McKendree before falling to a tough Texas A&M Kingsville squad. They'll look to bounce back and finish the classic strong on Saturday against conference opponents.