Hard work and commitment are defining words for Stetson's volleyball team.
 
After a shortened preseason that include several days of multiple practice sessions, the nine returning members of the squad were able to quickly connect with the four newcomers to form a close bond. That bond was put to the test during a preseason scrimmage against Daytona State College. The Hatters passed, winning all five sets.
 
"These preseason games are to figure out what we need to work on when it comes to game time," fifth year senior Alexis Thompson said. "The regular season is when you have the pressure, the excitement and the fans all there."
 
The women's volleyball preseason is shorter than that of other schools because Stetson's start date for school is earlier.
 
"The short time period makes it more difficult to better prepare for the season but that is why it's important to me to work on team strength, dynamics and culture first," head coach Yang Deng, now entering her sixth season at Stetson, said.
 
Playing on a small court with six players, the difference between having and not having connections between athletes can alter the result of the game. Each person has to react fast and communicate effectively and efficiently while on the court.
 
"The depth of each position is pretty good, we have a lot of options," Deng said.
 
The team's roster includes many versatile players who are able to jump onto the court whenever needed.
 
"I'm excited to see how much we can improve during this preseason and where it will take us in the conference," Deng said.
 
In addition to Thompson, the Hatters have four other seniors to lead the way – outside hitters Elena Djokovic and Yamelis Mojica along with middle blocker Kennedy Muldrow. Stetson also returns record-breaking sophomore setter Nyah Molina back for another year.
 
The Hatters will be able to show how far they have come this offseason when they open play at the "Bash in the Boro" tournament, hosted by Georgia Southern. Stetson will open against the host team Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. in a match scheduled for broadcast on ESPN+. The Eagles posted a 17-11 record last fall, including a 9-7 mark in Sun Belt Conference play.
 
The Hatters have not faced Georgia Southern since 2015 and have a 5-5 record against the Eagles all-time.
 
Stetson will follow up with a pair of matches on Saturday, with the first at 10 a.m. against former ASUN rival USC Upstate. The Spartans went 14-16 last year, but had a 10-6 record in the Big South Conference. The Spartans hold a 12-8 series advantage over Stetson, with the last match having been played in 2017.
 
The Hatters will close out the tournament at 3 p.m. on Saturday against Alcorn State from the SWAC. The Braves struggled to a 4-24 record in 2021, including a straight-set loss to Stetson in a tournament at Georgia State. That was the first meeting between the programs. The teams are scheduled to play again next week as part of the Paradise Classic at Florida Atlantic.
 
There will not be broadcasts available for Stetson's two games on Saturday.
 
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.