DeLand, Fla. – Stetson came up a few points short in its first five-set match of the day, but the Hatters capitalized on its next five-set opportunity in the nightcap to earn a split Friday at the Stetson Invitational.
Despite four Hatters with double digit kills, Florida International defeated Stetson 3-2 (26-24, 15-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-10) in the tournament opener.
The Hatters (3-6) fought back and battled to a 3-2 (26-24, 25-22, 16-25, 18-25, 15-7) victory over Mercer in game two. The defense led the way against the Bears (1-6) with 81 digs and 16 blocks.
“The fifth set (against Mercer) we really controlled the serve and pass,” Stetson head coach Kristina Hernandez said. “The offense, was clicking, and I felt that was a good way for us to close out that match.”
Stetson had struggled offensively through the first four sets, hitting just a shade over .000 heading into the decisive set. However, the Hatters put together a seven-kill performance in the final frame to seal the win. Shelby Connors had three kills in the final frame and served an ace for match point.
“We needed (the win), especially a five-setter,” Hernandez said. “It is nice to get that, and for it to be something that we earned. We hit .385 in that fifth set, so that was a nice way for us to close out the weekend.”
Libero Alexa Drost picked up 25 of Stetson's season-high 81 digs. Haley Tippett (17), Kayla Weller (11), McKenna Foster (10), and Roxy Lake (10) also had double-digit dig totals.
Madison Fitzsimmons picked up a season-high 10 blocks, while Connors assisted on six blocks of her own.
Tippett led the offense in both games for the Hatters recording a team-high 18 kills against FIU and 14 kills against Mercer. Foster (14 kills), Connors (11), and Madison Akins (10) also reached double figures vs. FIU.
Setters Weller and Lake each recorded double-doubles on the day. Weller registered 33 assists and 11 digs vs. FIU and 20 assists and 11 digs vs. Mercer. Lake went for 20 and six vs. FIU and 18 and 10 vs. Mercer.
Cailyn Prewitt combined for 12 kills and six blocks in the two matches.
Stetson will play at the UNCW Marriott Classic next weekend in Wilmington, N.C.
Off the Bench
Anna Bezhan and Michelle Kastner each made nice contributions off the bench in the fifth set against Mercer. Bezhan served an ace while recording three digs and a block assist. Kastner registered one assist and served three straight points to push Stetson's lead to 11-6.
Double-Doubles
The Hatters had six double-double performances on the day, including two each by Haley Tippett and Kayla Weller. McKenna Foster and Roxy Lake also each recorded double-doubles.
Service Aces
Stetson recorded nine service aces against FIU, including five by McKenna Foster.
Total Blocks
Stetson's 16 total blocks fell one shy of the school record in the rally-scoring era. The Hatters picked up 17 blocks against NKU in the final game of the season last year.
Marathon Matches
With both matches lasting over two hours, Stetson played a total of 4:18 minutes of volleyball on Friday.
