STATESBORO, Ga. ? The Stetson volleyball squad performed admirably in defeating host Georgia Southern 3-1 (30-20, 31-29, 24-30, 30-28) on day two of the GSU Invitational at Hanner Fieldhouse.

The Hatters (1-1) received a solid group effort highlighted by double-doubles from junior Rebecca Orzechowicz (16 kills, 15 digs), and seniors Beth Slabaugh (13 kills, 17 digs) and Karla Readshaw (44 assists, 18 digs).  Senior Rachel Miller and junior Melanie Boyer chipped in with 17 and 16 digs, respectively, and senior Gina Iacona garnered 13 kills.

Stetson took control of the match early claiming the first two games.  In game one, the Hatters jumped out to a 15-2 lead and never looked back to take a 1-0 advantage.  The second game proved to be much tighter as GSU (1-1) staked out to an early-five point lead, but Stetson roared back with a 6-0 run to take a slim lead.  Both teams traded points the remainder of the game, and with the score knotted at 29, an attack error by the Eagles and a kill by Readshaw allowed the Hatters to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

The home-standing Eagles were determined not to go quietly jumping out to an eight-point lead in game three and cruised from there to keep the match alive.  The Hatters responded with a stellar performance in the fourth and final game.  Stetson was hanging on to a 29-28 lead and with Georgia Southern facing match point, sophomore Laura Boyd completed the Hatters first win this season with a kill.

Georgia Southern had four players' record double-digit kills led by Bianco Julio's 17, and Flavia Pereira put together a 35-dig match.

Stetson will return to the court later today when they wrap up play at the GSU Invitational with a 5 p.m. match versus A-Sun member UNF.