The Stetson University volleyball team has amassed back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in program history. The Hatters collected 18 wins in 2013 and 16 victories last season, while advancing to Atlantic Sun quarterfinals each time. With just a couple of days remaining until the start of 2015 season, the anticipation is building for an even stronger season and deeper run in postseason play.

“The expectation is to keep getting better,” second-year head coach Kristina Hernandez said. “I think this team has the ability to be really high up in the conference this year. I think this will be one the best teams we have had here. They are excited about that potential to be the team that breaks us out and gets us a little further.”

Hernandez had been impressed with the team's effort and competition level during the preseason. With 10 returners and eight newcomers on the roster, the Hatters have depth throughout the line-up.

“We just have a lot of depth and a lot of options, which has been really fun for us to see,” Hernandez said. “We are really having to crunch the numbers and look at the stats, because they are all competing so well right now. They are all pushing each other and fighting for their spots.”

A key factor this season will be the Hatters' ability to fight for every last point, especially in matches that go down to the wire. Hernandez has been pleased to see how aggressive the team has battled during preseason practices and scrimmages.

“It is a constant mode with them,” Hernandez said. “They are aggressive with everything they do. They are also a very aggressive serving team. That was a strength for us last year, and I think we have even more tools in that tool box right now.”

The Hatters' aggressive serving game last season netted an average of 1.61 aces per set. That marked the highest total in the league and ranked 14th-best in the NCAA. The blocking game was also among the tops in the league as the Hatters averaged 1.98 blocks per set, second only to North Florida.

Offensively, the Hatters like to move the ball quickly and give the setters several attack options up front.

“We have a lot speed and a lot of quickness,” Hernandez said. “I think their footwork was something that we first noticed when they came in for preseason. Their movement is very efficient, very fluid. I think we are going to have a much more balanced offense and have a lot of options offensively.”

Stetson will open the season this weekend at the FAU Invitational, the first of four tournaments before the start of conference play. While the Atlantic Sun Championship is still three months away, the Hatters know they have a great opportunity this season to compete for their first-ever A-Sun title.

“That mindset is very apparent right now, that we are serious,” Hernandez said. “We know that we can be successful, so that's been fun to watch. I think that expectation is much higher this year than it was last year because they believe in what they are doing, and they are seeing how good they can be. How hard we work will determine how far we go.”

Single-match tickets as well as the Hat Trick Sports Pass are now on sale. Visit the Hatter Ticket Office web page for details.

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