Hatters take duals over Mercer and No.18 South Carolina

DeLand, Fla. -- The Stetson University beach volleyball team topped both Mercer University and No. 18-ranked South Carolina Friday afternoon at Cooper Beach on the first day of the Stetson Spring Fling.

The Hatters (2-0) made quick work of the Bears (0-1) as Stetson got out to a quick 2-0 lead after Audrey Gauthier and Noelle Weintraub led off the dual with a 21-10 and 21-7, two-set victory over Mercer's Reese Hood and Jordan Morris. Lauren Della and Colene Hamilton followed suit with a 21-15 and 21-12 two-set victory over Hana Robertson and Ellie Miller.

On courts 1 and 2, the Hatters continued to find success as Carolina Ferraris and Anete Namike sealed the win for the Hatters on court 2 as the pair locked up their match in two sets (21-11, 21-9). Then on court 1 Shae Henson and Kylie Neuschaeferova took the Hatters fourth two-set victory in a row.

In Stetson's second dual on the day, the Hatters topped the No. 18-ranked Gamecocks 4-1. Della and Hamilton went undefeated in two sets again while Karin Zolnercikova and Gabriella Bramante earned their first win of the season as a pair.

Friday's win was the third straight season that the Hatters defeated a top-20 opponent in a season-opening tournament.

The Hatters will be right back at it as Stetson returns to Cooper Beach on Saturday, Feb. 26 for an 8 a.m. dual with College of Charleston.

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.

Print Friendly Version