Hatters Host FGCU in ASUN Volleyball Opener

After playing four tournaments to start the season, the Stetson volleyball team (1-11) will begin ASUN Conference play on Saturday when the Hatters host the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (7-5). First serve is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Edmunds Center.

"Practice is going well, but there is still a lot of work to do," Stetson head coach Yang Deng seaid. "We have been talking to the girls about being mentally tough. To stick with the process is probably the toughest thing for the kids to do right now. I think I am little more patient than they are. They want to get better right now, which I really appreciate. I know it takes time, but that doesn't stop me from asking a lot. They are working hard."

The two in-state rivals will be meeting for the 20th time overall. FGCU leads the series 17-2.

Tickets are $5 for general admission and can be purchased online or at the Edmunds Center ticket office. Stetson students, faculty and staff are free with a valid ID. Participants from Stetson volleyball's summer camp and free clinic will also gain free admission.

Fans can watch a live video stream of the match on the Stetson Volleyball Facebook page. In addition, live stats, the Stetson volleyball twitter feed, and the HatCheck text messaging service will provide live updates as well.

Home Match
Saturday will be Stetson's lone home match at the Edmunds Center in the span of a month. The Hatters were last at home on Sept. 3 and won't be home again until Oct. 6.

Making Progress
Despite the overall record, the Hatters have only been swept twice this season. The Hatters have won at least one set in seven straight matches, and they are coming off their first victory of the season Saturday vs. Savannah State.

Block Party
Stetson ranks second in the league with a 1.93 blocks-per-set average. Middle blockers Hao Jin (0.89 bps) and Shelby Connors (0.79 bps) rank fifth and eighth, respectively, among all individuals in the ASUN.

We Dig It
The Hatters currently average 15.9 digs-per-set, the third-highest total in the ASUN.

Attack Percentage
Over the past four matches, Hao Jin is hitting at a .437 clip (34-3-71). That stretch includes a 16-0-26 (.615) performance vs. North Dakota State. She has raised her season attack percentage from .159 to .246.

All-Tournament Team Selections
Naina Ivanova, Hao Jin, and Riley Nieporte have each earned all-tournament team selections this season.

Strong Schedule
After four weeks, 10 of Stetson's 12 previous opponents currently own winning records, plus Houston sits at 4-4. Only Savannah State (2-9) has a sub-.500 record.

Up Next
Stetson will travel to Lipscomb and Kennesaw State next weekend.

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.

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Players Mentioned

#11 Shelby Connors: MB; 6' 2"; Senior

#22 Hao Jin: MB; 6' 2"; Junior

#8 Riley Nieporte: OH; 5' 9"; Freshman

#12 Naina Ivanova: L/S; 5' 10"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#11 Shelby Connors
: 6' 2"; Senior
: MB

#22 Hao Jin
: 6' 2"; Junior
: MB

#8 Riley Nieporte
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: OH

#12 Naina Ivanova
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: L/S

Stetson University Athletics

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Hatters Host FGCU in ASUN Volleyball Opener

Players Mentioned

#11 Shelby Connors

#22 Hao Jin

#8 Riley Nieporte

#12 Naina Ivanova

Players Mentioned

#11 Shelby Connors

#22 Hao Jin

#8 Riley Nieporte

#12 Naina Ivanova