DeLand, Fla. — Despite a strong start and seven service aces on the afternoon, Stetson (6-14, 2-6 ASUN) fell to Lipscomb (8-10, 4-4 ASUN) in a hard-fought five-set match Sunday at the Edmunds Center, 23-25, 26-28, 25-22, 25-20, 15-11.

Stetson came out sharp in the opening set, matching Lipscomb point for point. Zuzanna Bury and Jenna Simmons provided early offensive spark, while Nyah Molina and Vanessa Shevchenko added key plays to keep the Hatters level. A late rally fueled by Bury's back-to-back kills erased a two-point deficit, and consecutive attack errors by the Bisons gave Stetson the 25-23 win.

The Hatters carried their momentum into the second set. Bury and Karsu Bayraktar struck early, and Simmons added a pair of back-to-back kills off assists from Molina to keep Stetson in control. Midway through, the Hatters extended their lead with big swings from Zuzanna Rut and Kayla Balfour, along with a timely service ace from Shevchenko. After a tense back-and-forth finish, Shevchenko delivered another ace and Balfour teamed up with Lilyanna Parker for a crucial block, securing the set 28-26 and a 2-0 match lead.

Lipscomb responded in the third set, using a mid-frame run to pull ahead. Stetson continued to fight behind kills from Bury and Simmons and a late service ace from Bayraktar, but the Bisons held on for a 25-22 win to extend the match.

The fourth set saw the Hatters jump out to a 3-0 start behind kills from Balfour and Bury. However, Lipscomb answered with a 7-1 run to grab control. Stetson clawed back to even the score at 13-13 thanks to a service ace from Molina and a strong finish at the net from Parker, but Lipscomb capitalized late to take the set 25-20 and force a deciding frame.

In the fifth, Stetson opened with a block from Balfour and Parker and an ace from Rut to keep the score tight early. The Hatters tied it at 8-8 midway through but couldn't overcome Lipscomb's late surge, as the Bisons closed out the match 15-11.

Bury once again led the Hatters' attack, posting 25 kills on a .283 hitting percentage along with 11 digs. Molina anchored the offense with 39 assists and added 15 digs. Balfour tallied four total blocks, while Vitoria Stedile led the back row with 19 digs.

Stetson will be home next week to host Jacksonville on Thursday, October 24, at 6 p.m. inside the Insight Credit Union Arena at 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.