DeLand, Fla. — Stetson (5-10, 1-2 ASUN) fell to Queens University of Charlotte (11-5, 2-1 ASUN) in a heartbreaker on Friday evening at the Edmunds Center, with the final scores reading 28-26, 25-22, 25-27, 11-25, 15-17.
 
Stetson began the first set with consistent offensive pressure, establishing an early lead with key plays from Lilyanna Parker and Nyah Molina. With the set tied at 19, the teams traded points in a tense battle, with Parker and Bury delivering important kills to keep the Hatters competitive. The set remained closely contested until a late push, featuring critical plays from Jenna Simmons and another decisive kill by Bury, secured a 28-26 win to close the set.
 
The second set began with a notable shift in momentum as Stetson clawed back from an early deficit. Despite a series of kills from Queens, the Hatters' Xinlei Yang and Jenna Simmons delivered key points to keep the game close. They stayed resilient, overcoming a 5-point stretch by Queens with a series of successful plays, including a critical block by Kayla Balfour and Molina that tied the set at 17-17. As the set progressed, the Hatters found their rhythm, with Molina contributing a service ace and facilitating multiple kills that helped them edge forward. Molina's performance in this set was part of her second consecutive 30-20 double-double, demonstrating her exceptional play. The team-maintained composure down the stretch, closing the set with a service ace from Yang to secure a 25-22 victory, leveling the match.
 
The third set began with a significant momentum shift as Queens took control with an early scoring run. Stetson initially took the lead with a kill by Yang, but Queens responded with a series of points, highlighted by a service ace and multiple kills, to build a 7-1 advantage. The Hatters regrouped and mounted a comeback with key contributions from Bury and Simmons, closing the gap to 9-7. As the set progressed, the Hatters continued to apply pressure, benefiting from Queens' attack errors and effective blocks from Simmons and Balfour, narrowing the deficit to 19-16. A service ace by Vitoria Stedile helped the Hatters draw level at 24-24, showcasing resilience in a tense stretch. Despite the strong effort, Queens managed to edge out the Hatters in the final moments with decisive plays, concluding the set with a 27-25 victory.
 
Stetson struggled to find momentum in the fourth set dropping it 25-11 setting up a deciding fifth set.
 
The final set was a back-and-forth battle. Stetson fought back from a 10-6 deficit to tie the score at 14-14, highlighted by multiple kills from Bury and Yang. However, Queens capitalized on a late Stetson attack error to secure the 17-15 win and complete the comeback.
 
Molina turned in another standout performance, recording 39 assists and 29 digs for her second straight 30-20 double-double. Bury posted her second 20-20 double-double of the season with 22 kills and 26 digs. Simmons added nine kills and 15 digs, while Yang contributed five total blocks, including two solo.

The Hatters return to action Sunday, Oct. 5, when they host West Georgia at 1 p.m. at the Edmunds Center.