DeLand, Fla. — Stetson (6–13, 2–5 ASUN) came up just short in a hard-fought five-set battle against Austin Peay (3–16, 1–6 ASUN) on Friday night at the Insight Credit Union Arena at the Edmunds Center, falling 25–17, 24–26, 20–25, 25–21, 9–15.

Stetson came out strong in the opening set, capitalizing on early errors by Austin Peay to take a 2–0 lead. Nyah Molina guided the offense efficiently, setting up Zuzanna Rut for an early kill, while blocks from Lilyanna Parker and Rut extended the lead to 6–1. Jenna Simmons and Zuzanna Bury added timely kills to keep the Hatters in control as they cruised to a 25–17 first-set win.

The second set was tightly contested from start to finish. Stetson erased an early deficit with kills from Simmons and Parker to tie it 3–3, and the two sides traded points throughout the frame. Simmons and Kayla Balfour helped the Hatters edge ahead 23–21 late, but Austin Peay rallied to steal the set 26–24 and even the match.

Momentum carried over to the third set for the visitors, but Stetson stayed within striking distance behind kills from Bury and Rut. The Hatters put together a short run fueled by Parker, Balfour, and a service ace from Simmons, but Austin Peay closed out the set 25–20.

The Hatters responded in dominant fashion in the fourth. A 6–0 opening run—featuring kills from Balfour, Molina, Bury, and Rut—set the tone early. Stetson's balanced attack continued to click, with Balfour, Simmons, and Vanessa Shevchenko all contributing key points as the Hatters built a 22–15 lead. Despite a late push from Austin Peay, Stetson held firm, taking the set 25–21 to force a fifth.

The decisive frame opened evenly, with Bury, Rut, and Shevchenko each recording early kills to keep the score level. A block from Molina and Balfour helped Stetson edge ahead 9–7, but Austin Peay closed strong taking the set 15–9 and seal the match.

Bury led the Hatters with a standout performance, tallying 25 kills, and 17 digs. Molina dished out 46 assists while adding 14 digs, and Rut posted eight kills and seven total blocks. Vitoria Stedile anchored the defense with 16 digs in the back row.

Stetson will look to bounce back on Sunday when it hosts Lipscomb at noon 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.