Conway, Ark. — Stetson (6-12, 2-4 ASUN) wrapped up its weekend road trip on Sunday, falling in straight sets to Central Arkansas (8-8, 5-1 ASUN) at the Prince Center, 25–20, 25–16, 25–8.
The Hatters opened the match with strong energy, trading points with the Sugar Bears early in the first set. Setter Nyah Molina kept the offense in rhythm, finding Zuzanna Bury and Jenna Simmons for key kills to keep the score tight. After falling behind by three, Stetson rallied to tie the set at 8–8 and again at 14–14 behind solid play from Xinlei Yang and Lilyanna Parker. Despite a late push, the Hatters couldn't hold off a late UCA run and dropped the opener, 25–20.
Stetson carried that fight into the second frame, jumping out to a 2–0 lead on a Kayla Balfour kill and a Jaycee Davis ace. Bury continued to pace the attack, while Molina and Yang teamed up for a block that kept the Hatters within striking distance. After the teams traded points to a 13–13 tie, UCA pulled away with a mid-set surge, and despite several late kills from Bury and Yang, Stetson came up short, 25–16.
The Hatters looked to regroup in the third set as Zuzanna Rut put away an early kill to even the score at 1–1. Bury and Yang added kills to narrow the deficit to 7–4, but Stetson ended up dropping the set 25–8.
Bury led the Hatters with eight kills and six digs, while Yang added six kills. Molina contributed across the board with 16 assists, four kills, and two service aces. Vitoria Stedile anchored the back row with 11 digs to lead the defense.
Stetson now returns home to DeLand to host Austin Peay on Friday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. inside the Insight Credit Union Arena at the Edmunds 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.
