TAMPA, Fl. – The Stetson volleyball team was competitive in both matches but ultimately fell to South Dakota in four sets, 3-1, and to USF in five, 3-2, Friday at The USF Corral.

The non-conference loss moved Stetson to 8-3 on the season after both results. South Dakota finished the day at 10-1, beating Cornell 3-0 after the match with Stetson and is now enjoying a 10-match win streak. USF bumped itself a game above .500 with the pair of wins, now sitting at 6-5 overall.

On the day, junior outside hitter Anabelle Standish recorded a pair of double-doubles with 33 kills and 23 digs across the pair of matches. Sophomore setters Nyah Molina and Elif Yasar combined for 81 assists on the day. Super senior middle blocker Alexis Thompson ended the day with six blocks.

In the first match, The Coyotes jumped all over Stetson early, taking the first pair of sets 25-12 and 25-20. Stetson's resilience kicked in for the third set, and as the lead changed five times, the Hatters ripped off a 6-0 scoring run and never looked back. USD bounced back in the fourth set, jumping out to an early lead and every time the Hatters would close in, the Coyotes would halt the advance. The Hatters got within three, 22-19, before ultimately falling.

In the second match, Stetson roared out of the gates taking the first set 25-20. The hosts recovered taking set two 25-19, before SU pushed back in front with a 25-22 win in the third set taking a 2-1 lead overall. Unfortunately for the Hatters, the hosts took the final two sets, 25-18 and 15-9, and as a result the match.
 
Game 1 Notes
» Stetson had three players in double figures in digs.
» Elena Djokovic had a team-high two aces in the loss.
» Standish registered a double-double with 16 kills and 13 digs
» Stetson got a team-high 17 digs from Lauren Vargo.
» Stetson attackers were helped by a team-high 36 assists from Molina.
 
Game 2 Notes
» Stetson had three players in double figures in digs.
» Madilyn Jerald had a team-high two aces in the loss.
» Standish registered a double-double with 17 kills and 10 digs
» Stetson never trailed on the way to winning the first set 25-20.
» Stetson got a team-high 13 digs from Djokovic.
» Stetson attackers were helped by a team-high 21 assists from Yasar and Molina

Stetson Volleyball wraps up the non-conference schedule and the Bulls Volleyball Invitational with a match against Cornell at the USF Corral tomorrow at 10 a.m.

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.