Stetson never trailed in the first two sets of the match, winning 25-15 and 25-18. NJIT played the third set a little closer before the Hatters pulled away for a 25-19 victory.

The Hatters improved to 11-17 overall on the year, 5-9 in Atlantic Sun Conference play with the victory. NJIT closed its first season in the A-Sun with an overall record of 6-25, 1-13 in league play. The win for Stetson also avenged a loss to the Highlanders earlier this year.

It was the final home appearance for seniors Alexa Drost, Michelle Kastner, Cailyn Prewitt and Kayla Weller.

“All of the seniors got to contribute today,” Hatters coach Kristina Hernandez said. “Kayla, Michelle, Alexa and Cailyn all worked hard and it was nice for them to play that way and have a nice Senior Day.”

Weller triggered the Stetson attack, recording 34 assists in the game. It was freshman Anna Bezhan who was on the receiving end of many of those assists, leading the way with 14 kills on 29 total attacks. Junior Madison Akins also had a big day, recording 11 kills in 23 total attacks. Freshman Morgan Eiland, who had made just two starts all year, joined the starting lineup on Sunday.

“We made some changes to our lineup today, but I felt like they were good changes,” Hernandez said. “Anna and Morgan both did a good job of contributing. Anna had 14 kills to lead us today, and that was great. I felt like we were consistent today with our passing and serving and that helped us get into a groove for the match.”

As a team, the Hatters finished the game with .271 hitting percentage.

Stetson will face third-seeded Kennesaw State on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. in the opening round of the Atlantic Sun Championship in Nashville, Tenn. The two squads split their regular season meetings, both winning on their home floor.

“It was important for us to feel good about what we are doing going into next week,” Hernandez said. “We don't have a lot of time to get ready since we play on Thursday. We played on Saturday and Sunday, and have to take Monday off. That just gives us two days to get ready.

“I like our draw with KSU because it is a good matchup for us. It should be a competitive match. We just have to focus on the things we are doing and get ready. We are both very physical, especially offensively, so it will come down to which team is more physical from an offensive and blocking basis.”

Hernandez said that going into the tournament off a solid performance should give her team an additional boost.

“We needed some momentum and to feel that we are earning something going into the tournament,” Hernandez said. “Hopefully we can continue to improve and get some things done on Thursday.”

In addition to the four seniors on the current team who were recognized during pregame ceremonies, former player Shannon Craighead was also honored on senior day. Craighead left the team after last year, but has continued to work at every home match as a student assistant in the Athletics Communications office.

“Shannon was a big part of that group that helped to change the program,” Hernandez said. “We all felt that it was really important to honor her for being a part of that change.”