DeLand, Fla. — Stetson rallied from two sets down to defeat North Florida 3-2 Sunday afternoon at the Edmunds Center, winning by scores of 26-28, 18-25, 25-17, 26-24, 15-9. The Hatters posted one of their strongest offensive performances of the season, highlighted by 27 kills from Zuzanna Bury and a 46-assist, 21-dig double-double from Nyah Molina.
 
"We had great teamwork today. The team is learning to play together as a cohesive unit. We are still building and improving but this weekend was a great boost of confidence for us," said Head Coach Yang Deng.
 
North Florida took an early lead with a six-point run, but a service error by Sofia Dawson allowed Stetson to get on the board in the first set. The Hatters' Kayla Balfour and Xinlei Yang each contributed key kills, assisted by Molina, helping to narrow the gap to 8-5. Xinlei Yang also tallied a career high seven digs, adding to her contributions on the court.
 
As play progressed, Stetson continued to chip away at the deficit, with Zuzanna Bury's kill, also set by Molina, tying the score at 15-15. Despite North Florida regaining the lead, the Hatters rallied to tie the score at 23-23 with a block by Yang and Parker. However, North Florida ultimately clinched the set 28-26, after a tightly contested series of exchanges.
 
Stetson made a strong push early in the second set, with Nyah Molina contributing essential assists, including a kill by Lilyanna Parker at 1-1 and another by Zuzanna Bury to make it 3-1. Molina's performance was instrumental throughout the match, as she recorded her third 40-20 double double with 40 assists and 20 digs. The team maintained a slight edge with consistent scoring, including key kills by Xinlei Yang and Kayla Balfour, bringing the score to 5-3 and 7-5, respectively.
 
As the set progressed, Stetson faced a tightly contested contest, with North Florida responding to each advance. Despite another kill by Bury at 11-11, North Florida capitalized on a series of errors and service aces to pull ahead. The set concluded with North Florida securing a 25-18 victory.
 
Stetson capitalized on North Florida's service errors early in the third set to gain momentum, taking a 5-1 lead. North Florida attempted to respond, but the Hatters maintained control with a series of blocks and kills, including a pivotal block by Xinlei Yang and Lilyanna Parker that extended their lead to 7-2.
 
As the set progressed, Kayla Balfour and Nyah Molina facilitated key plays, allowing the Hatters to maintain their advantage. Despite North Florida's efforts to close the gap, Zuzanna Bury's offensive prowess, capped by a kill to reach 24-17, proved decisive. Stetson secured the set with a 25-17 victory.
 
Stetson overcame an early deficit in the fourth set to secure a narrow victory against North Florida. After trailing 4-0, the Hatters responded with key plays including a kill by Zuzanna Bury assisted by Vanessa Shevchenko, narrowing the gap. Lilyanna Parker's consistent performance, highlighted by multiple kills, helped the Hatters gain momentum. Parker achieved a career high in kills with 13 during the match.
 
The Hatters capitalized on North Florida's service errors and attack errors, allowing them to level the score at 16-16. Parker continued to shine, contributing crucial points, including a kill that pushed Stetson ahead 17-16. As the set intensified, a service ace by Jaycee Davis extended Stetson's lead to 21-17.
 
Despite North Florida's attempts to regain control, the Hatters maintained their composure. Zuzanna Bury's decisive kill tied the score at 24-24, and Parker's subsequent kill gave Stetson the lead. The set concluded with the Hatters' victory at 26-24.
 
Stetson surged ahead in the decisive fifth set, capitalizing on an early attack error by North Florida's Kierstyn McFall to take the lead. Xinlei Yang and Kayla Balfour contributed crucial kills, bringing the score to 4-4. Midway through the set, Stetson regained the lead with a sequence of plays highlighted by Zuzanna Bury's kills, assisted by Nyah Molina. Vitoria Stedile recorded a season high 25 assists, further aiding the team's performance.
 
Bury's continued offensive pressure, alongside another key kill from Yang, extended Stetson's advantage. Despite a service error, the Hatters maintained momentum with Molina facilitating successive scoring plays. Stetson sealed the set with a final attack error by Janelly Ceopa, winning 15-9. The game concluded with the Hatters securing the victory.
 
Nyah Molina recorded 46 assists and contributed 21 digs, showcasing her versatility on the court. Zuzanna Bury, in addition to tying her career high in kills, achieved her ninth double double, leading the team in kills with 27 and added 11 digs. Lilyanna Parker contributed a career highs with 13 kills and four blocks. Vitoria Stedile anchored the defense with a season high 25 digs, providing stability in the backcourt.
 
The next challenge for the Hatters comes on Friday as they travel to face West Georgia. The match is set for 6 p.m. at The Coliseum in Carrollton, Georgia.

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.