NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Stetson gave the number one seed everything they could handle but fell to Liberty in five sets, 3-2, with the potential of match point available in the fifth for both sides, at Lipscomb University's Allen Arena.
"I told the girls that I am still very proud of them. If we have to go home, that's the way to go home," head coach
Yang Deng "There is no regret, everything was left on the floor for the entire season. I'm very proud of the seniors, how they lead and fight for everything. I am proud of the younger players, they continue to improve even in the last game. This is one of the games where you may wish, but there's no wish, it's part of the competition in sports that you leave it all. As a coach, when you know your players left it all out there, and even though the score is a loss, you're going home a winner."
The eighth-seed Hatters (15-14, 6-10 ASUN) were not intimidated by the top seed Flames (22-7, 14-2 ASUN). After a back-and-forth first set tied at nine apiece, SU pushed ahead by three [12-9]. Despite never falling behind by more than four until the final two points, Liberty was unable to make up the difference as
Leilani Vitale closed the first set with a service ace, 1-0 Hatters.
Liberty battled back in the second set and after taking a 3-2 advantage, LU would never look back as the deficit stayed at two for a few serves, but gradually grew as the set wore on until the one seed evened the match at 1-1 after a 25-16 win of the second period.
The third set was reminiscent of the second in that the Flames took an early lead, 2-1 and while the Hatters kept up, the Flames held them at bay. That was until Stetson found the advantage, 11-10, midway through. Liberty battled from the back foot but could not force themselves back in front, eventually falling 25-23 on a kill from
Sophia Groom, 2-1 Hats.
The match cranked up another gear in the fourth set. Eighteen ties and nine lead changes in a fourth set that was lengthened beyond regulation. Neither side took more than a three-point advantage as the two sides battled, the Hatters trying to force the Flames to be extinguished, Liberty trying to extend its season and not fall to the bottom seed. SU got close a couple times before LU took the frame 27-25.
The fifth set was an extension of the fourth with the slight exception that the largest lead was two; prior to the end of the set it happened precisely once in the set, 9-7 Liberty, with the Hatters putting Liberty on the brink again with a 14-13 advantage, but the crucial point avoided Stetson, eventually falling 16-14.
Setter
Nyah Molina recorded a new career-high 54 assists, topping the old mark by one. Combined with 14 digs, the sophomore notched another double-double.
Elena Djokovic [19 kills, 13 digs] and
Anabelle Standish [17 kills, 16 digs] also recorded double-doubles.
Sophia Groom was a wall in front of net with five blocks, two solo. Libero
Lauren Vargo paced the team with 17 digs.
Alexis Thompson and Groom each knocked a hit percentage of 438, Thompson with no attack errors.
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 (PDF).
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