Miami, Fla.- The Hatters fall to Indiana and Florida International in their first two matches of the 305 Challenge. 
 
In their first match, the Hatters lost to Big 10 opponent Indiana three sets to zero. In the first set the Hatters would be down 1-5 before battling back to make the score 4-5. The Hoosiers would pull away as the Hatters would fall 12-25 in the first set. The second set started out slow for the Hatters before they were able to build momentum to make the score 14-17. Stetson wouldn't be able to make up much more ground as the set ended 17-25. The third set was back and forth as the Hatters stayed within two points with the score being 6-8. Indiana would put the pressure on the Hatters as the third set went to the Hoosiers 10-25.
 
The Hatters would take on the Panthers of Florida International in the second set but would fall short three sets to one. The first set didn't go as well as the Hatters planned as after going down 0-2, they were able to score three points in a row to go up 3-2. The Panthers would go on point streaks of their own as they would take the first set 14-23. The intensity for Stetson would switch on a dime going into the second set as they would take a commanding lead over Florida International 7-1. The Panthers would claw their way back before the teams began trading the lead. The Hatters would go on a three-point streak to win the set 26-24 knotting the match at one set a piece. The third set would be another battle between the two teams as they would trade three-point streaks through the set before the Panthers would win the battle of the third set 26-28. In the fourth set the Hatters would score the first three points before eventually falling behind. Later in the set the Panthers would be up 17-24 before the Hatters put the pressure on scoring five straight points on match point. Florida International would score to win the set and match as the Hatters fell 22-25.
 
Lauren Vargo would lead the Hatters with 17 digs against Florida International tying her career best. Elif Yasar would also tally 34 assists against the Panthers for a career best. Anabelle Standish would finish the day with 22 kills to lead the team. Sophia Groom would earn 8 total blocks on the day followed by Selin Kalkan with five of her own.  
 
Stetson will return to the court tomorrow as they will take on Miami at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center at 11am.