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Steve Simoneau

Volleyball Athletic Communications

Hatters Begin Quest for ASUN Championship Thursday

Stetson Will Face Jacksonville State in the Quarterfinals

Stetson (13-15, #4 East Seed) at ASUN Championship
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Championship		 1 p.m. Thursday vs. Jacksonville State (23-6)
4 p.m. Friday vs. KSU/EKU winner
7 p.m. Saturday
Location Alico Arena, Fort Myers, Fla.
Video Stream ESPN+ (Thursday)
Live Stats Live Stats
Game Notes Game Notes
ASUN Volleyball Standings | Championship Info
Social Media Twitter  |  Instagram |  Facebook

It has been less than two months since Stetson and Jacksonville State met during the regular season, but it feels like a century ago.  In the conference opener for both schools back on Sept. 24, the Gamecocks came away with a 3-0 victory over the Hatters in Jacksonville, Ala.  Stetson head coach Yang Deng says a lot has changed since that previous meeting.

"Last time we played Jacksonville State, it was still very early in the season," Deng said.  "I don't think our girls were playing together as well as they are right now.  Everyone's role at that time was not clear yet.  Now that we have played together more, everybody knows their role and what their strengths are. They know how to support each other. Even just getting used to the person playing next to you is a big step toward team improvement."

The East Division's fourth-seeded Stetson Hatters (13-15) will face the West Division's top-seeded Jacksonville State Gamecocks (23-6) in the 2021 ASUN Championship quarterfinals at 1 p.m. Thursday at Alico Arena in Fort Myers, Fla.  

The winner of Thursday's match will advance to play the Kennesaw State - Eastern Kentucky winner at 4 p.m. Friday.  The championship match will be played at 7 p.m. Saturday, with the winner earning the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.  All matches will be broadcast live on ESPN+.  

Stetson is making its fourth postseason appearance in the past five years, but the Hatters are seeking their first postseason victory since 1995 (which came against Jacksonville State).  Stetson's last and only ASUN tournament title came in 1985, but the Hatters have never been to the NCAA Tournament.

"Our team has been to conference championships, the hard part has been going past the first round," Deng said.  "How do you continue to push at this point in the season?  How do you fight into the next round?  I think the mental and physical toughness is the biggest challenge.  If we play together like we are capable of, we should have a great volleyball battle."

Offensively, the Hatters are led by junior outside hitter Elena Djokovic and her league-leading 374 kills this season.  Freshman setter Nyah Molina has recorded a school-record 22 double-doubles, and senior libero Alejandra Perez is averaging 4.28 digs-per-set.

The Hatters have been solid defensively this season.  Stetson's 16.7 digs-per-set average leads the ASUN and ranks 31st in the NCAA.  The Hatters are also blocking at a 2.22 blocks-per-set clip.  Kaylee Oscarson leads the league with 33 solo blocks.

Stetson is 4-2 against ASUN West Division teams this season and 4-2 in matches that go to five sets.

ASUN Postseason awards will be announced Wednesday afternoon.

 
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Players Mentioned

Elena Djokovic

#10 Elena Djokovic

OH
6' 1"
Junior
Kaylee Oscarson

#22 Kaylee Oscarson

MB
6' 5"
Junior
Alejandra Perez

#5 Alejandra Perez

OH
5' 8"
Senior
Nyah Molina

#3 Nyah Molina

S/L
5' 8"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Elena Djokovic

#10 Elena Djokovic

6' 1"
Junior
OH
Kaylee Oscarson

#22 Kaylee Oscarson

6' 5"
Junior
MB
Alejandra Perez

#5 Alejandra Perez

5' 8"
Senior
OH
Nyah Molina

#3 Nyah Molina

5' 8"
Freshman
S/L