DeLand, Fla. -- Stetson battled from behind all night but fell just short in its 2017 season opener Friday night.  Central Connecticut won 15-12 in the decisive fifth set to grab a 3-2 (25-21, 15-25, 25-15, 27-25, 15-12) victory over the Hatters in the first day of the Stetson Invitational at the Edmunds Center.

Trailing 2-1 in the match and 21-18 in the fourth set, Stetson (0-1) rallied for a 27-25 win, forcing a fifth frame.

Eva Deisa and Naina Ivanova each had a double-double to lead the Hatters.  Deisa finished with 16 kills and 15 digs, while Ivanova recorded 43 assists and 16 digs.

Hao Jin posted 12 kills in her Hatter debut, including the final two markers in the fourth set.  

As a team, the Hatters recorded 78 digs, including 15 from libero Danielle Sink, 14 from freshman Chelcie Spence, and 13 from Anna Bezhan.

The Hatters will return to action at 11 a.m. Saturday against FAU.

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.