Florence, Ala. — Stetson (6-11, 2-3 ASUN) battled through a competitive four-set match on the road but ultimately fell to North Alabama (9-9, 3-2 ASUN) at CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall on Friday night. The Lions claimed the match 25-15, 25-27, 25-16, 26-24.

North Alabama struck first in the opening set, but the Hatters responded quickly with a service ace from Zuzanna Bury and a kill by Jenna Simmons to even the score at 3–3. Despite strong defensive play and key kills from Bury and Xinlei Yang, the Lions built momentum midway through the set and pulled away to take it, 25–15.

The Hatters bounced back in the second set, opening with a block from Yang and Lilyanna Parker, followed by a Yang kill that helped establish an early lead. Nyah Molina directed the offense efficiently, setting up a balanced attack that kept Stetson in control for much of the frame. After North Alabama tied it at 14–14, the Hatters responded with a kill from Karsu Bayraktar and a timely ace from Amber Engelhart. In a tense finish, Stetson forced two key attack errors to clinch the set 27–25, evening the match.

In the third set, the Hatters kept pace early with quick points from Yang, Bury, and Simmons. Despite a brief rally highlighted by kills from Parker and Kayla Balfour, the Lions maintained control to take the set, 25–16.

The Hatters surged ahead 6–2, to start the fourth set, and extended their advantage to 12–4 behind Vanessa Shevchenko's dominant serving run, which included four consecutive aces. Bury, Parker, and Simmons continued to lead the attack as Stetson held a 19–13 lead. However, North Alabama mounted a late rally, tying the set at 24–24 before edging out the Hatters, 26–24, to seal the match.

Shevchenko was a spark from the service line, finishing with four aces across two sets. Bury led the attack with 11 kills and three aces. Molina paced the offense with 23 assists and added seven digs, while Vitoria Stedile anchored the back row with a team-high 19 digs.

The Hatters will continue their road trip on Sunday, Oct. 12, when they travel to Conway, Ark., to face Central Arkansas at 2 p.m. inside the Prince Center.
 
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.