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Volleyball Team Photo 2021
Steve Simoneau

Volleyball Athletic Communications

Season Preview: 5 Things To Know About the Hatters

STETSON at MERCER BEARS CLASSIC
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3		 11 a.m. Friday vs. Mercer
4 p.m. Friday vs. Murray State
12 p.m. Saturday vs. New Hampshire
Location Hawkins Arena, Macon, Ga.
Video Stream None
Live Stats Game 1  |  Game 2  |  Game 3
2021 Season Schedule  |  Roster
Social Media Twitter  |  Instagram |  Facebook

The 2021 Stetson volleyball season gets underway this weekend at the Mercer Bears Classic in Macon, Ga.  Before the Hatters take the court Friday morning, here are five things you need to know about this year's squad:

1. The Hatters embraced a unique preseason camp

With the Edmunds Center undergoing floor renovations, the Hatters took up residence at a local sports academy for their preseason training. The players took the opportunity away from campus to form strong team bonds and focus on the upcoming volleyball season.

"Going to DME really helped a lot," Stetson head coach Yang Deng said.  "I would have to say that the whole entire vibe and attitude for this preseason was one of the best we've had.  They really loved it. I think you can see (in practice) that we flow together more."

2. Djokovic looks to build on a strong sophomore campaign

Junior Elena Djokovic is coming off big spring season in which she earned second team all-conference and first team academic all-district honors.  The outside hitter led the Hatters and ranked third in the ASUN with a 3.90 kills-per-set average.  She posted double-digit kills in nine of her 12 matches, and earned two ASUN Player of the Week awards.

"I think she has the ability to be even better this season," Deng said.  "One challenge will be learning to play with different setters than she has had in the past.  As a junior, she is becoming more mature with her team leadership role as well."

3.  Perez to debut at libero

For the past four years, Chelcie Spence locked down the libero position for the Hatters, becoming the program's all-time leader in digs along the way.  Now, senior Alejandra Perez will take over as the team's defensive stopper in the back row.  Perez has been a valuable all-purpose player over the past three seasons, contributing both as an outside hitter and defensive specialist.

"I think she's ready," Deng said.  "One of the reasons we had her switch positions was because of her versatility.  I think that her experience is going to help her be competitive at libero right away. Consistency will be the key for her.  Chelcie played libero for four years and never changed positions, so she had a high level of consistency by the time she was a senior, but Ale's knowledge of the game and her ability to play other positions will help her.  She is also stepping up in her leadership role."

4. Newcomers look to make impact

The Hatters welcome four newcomers to the program this year: setter Nyah Molina, outside hitter Leilani Vitale, defensive specialist Lauren Vargo, and right side hitter Beatriz Vossen.  Deng is excited about what all four bring to the program.

"This is one of the best overall-skilled and volleyball-savvy classes we've had," Deng said.  "All of them can handle the ball, and they all know the game very well.  As freshmen, they may struggle with nerves as they learn the system and gain experience playing at the college level, but I think they are going to be really competitive."

5. Return to normalcy

The Hatters are looking forward to playing a full 28-game schedule this fall, which includes four non-conference tournaments.  When the Hatters head to Macon, Ga. this weekend, it will be the team's first out-of-state trip since November of 2019.  Stetson will also travel to FAU and Georgia State before hosting a tournament on Sept. 17-18, featuring USF, New Mexico State, and Bethune-Cookman.

With the addition of Jacksonville State, Eastern Kentucky and Central Arkansas to the ASUN this year, the 12-team league will be split into two divisions.  The Hatters will play twice against their fellow East Division foes FGCU, Jacksonville, UNF, Kennesaw State and Liberty.  Stetson will play once each against the West Division squads JSU, EKU, Central Arkansas, North Alabama, Lipscomb and Bellarmine.

FGCU will host the ASUN Championship Nov. 18-20 in Fort Myers, Fla.

Live stats will be available for this weekend's matches at mercer.statbroadcast.com.  Postgame coverage can be found on GoHatters.com.

Fans can follow the Hatters all season long on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 
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Players Mentioned

Chelcie Spence

#6 Chelcie Spence

DS
5' 2"
Senior
Elena Djokovic

#10 Elena Djokovic

OH
6' 1"
Junior
Alejandra Perez

#5 Alejandra Perez

OH
5' 8"
Senior
Beatriz Vossen

#8 Beatriz Vossen

RS/OH
5' 9"
Freshman
Lauren Vargo

#6 Lauren Vargo

L/DS
5' 4"
Freshman
Nyah Molina

#3 Nyah Molina

S/L
5' 8"
Freshman
Leilani Vitale

#23 Leilani Vitale

OH
6' 1"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Chelcie Spence

#6 Chelcie Spence

5' 2"
Senior
DS
Elena Djokovic

#10 Elena Djokovic

6' 1"
Junior
OH
Alejandra Perez

#5 Alejandra Perez

5' 8"
Senior
OH
Beatriz Vossen

#8 Beatriz Vossen

5' 9"
Freshman
RS/OH
Lauren Vargo

#6 Lauren Vargo

5' 4"
Freshman
L/DS
Nyah Molina

#3 Nyah Molina

5' 8"
Freshman
S/L
Leilani Vitale

#23 Leilani Vitale

6' 1"
Freshman
OH