FLORENCE, Ala. – Hatter women's volleyball took a 3-1 win over a quality North Alabama team Friday night in Flowers Hall. Senior outside hitter Elena Djokovic smashed 23 kills with 21 digs [Both season high marks].
 
It was an unambitious start with for the Hats as they fell behind by five, 7-2, before starting to climb back into the match. SU pushed and tied the set at nine before pushing ahead 14-10 on the nine-point swing. Quality attacks led to the turnaround as the visiting side notched nine kills, five by Djokovic, over the 12 points. After taking the advantage 11-10, Stetson never relinquished it, taking the set 25-19.
 
Set two ended up being the most competitive set of the night with four ties and two lead changes as the home side redoubled their effort to try and even the match. Neither team established control until the Hats pushed in front by five, 10-5, before a timeout by North Alabama. The regroup was effective as the Lions cut the advantage to one, 11-10, before Stetson regained some control. SU held a precarious lead until the match was tied 20-20 and UNA pushed in front by two [22-20]. After trading points, the Hatters were on the brink, set point Lions 24-23 with the serve, and a timeout calmed and refocused the Hatters who then rocked three consecutive points for the 26-24 second-set win.
 
North Alabama stormed into the third set, taking a 3-2 advantage and growing it quickly into a seven-point lead [12-5].  The Hats chipped the advantage down to four twice, 21-17 and 23-19, but that's as close as SU would come in the third frame. UNA took the set 25-19.
 
Stetson came out with renewed focus and intensity in the fourth set. The Hatters never trailed or allowed the home side a chance, leading wire-to-wire after opening to a 7-3 advantage. The lead continued to swell as SU overpowered the Lions, growing the advantage to double figures at 20-10. The Hatters took a 25-13 fourth set win capped off by a service ace by Alexis Thompson.
 
On top of leading in kills and digs, Djokovic was the notched five blocks to lead the club. Every Hatter that notched a kill ended with six or more, including 10 from Sophia Groom. Sophomore setter Nyah Molina notched a double-double with 21 assists and 13 digs to go along with six kills.
 
The Hatters now fly to Conway, Arkansas to conclude the road trip with a match against Central Arkansas on Sunday afternoon. The match is slated for an 11 a.m. local start. The UCA match will not be live streamed, but live stats will be available.
 
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS. Get in on the conversation on social media by following Stetson Athletics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For video content, visit our YouTube channels: Stetson Hatters, Stetson Athletics and, for live events, Hatter Vision.