DeLand, Fla. — Stetson (9-17, 5-9 ASUN) battled Florida Gulf Coast (17-8, 11-3 ASUN) in a competitive four-set match Wednesday evening at the Edmunds Center, falling 25-23, 22-25, 22-25, 23-25. The Hatters outperformed the Eagles at the net, recording 15 total blocks to FGCU's three.

Prior to the match, Stetson honored seniors Selin Kalkan, Zuzanna Rut, and Nyah Molina for their leadership and contributions to the program.

Stetson came out strong in the opening set, jumping ahead 5-1 behind multiple kills from Jenna Simmons and steady setting from Molina. The Hatters held off an FGCU rally late in the frame as Zuzanna Bury closed it out with an assist from Vitoria Stedile, sealing the 25-23 win. The sophomore's performance moved her into seventh place in program history for single-season kills and sixth in attack attempts.

The Hatters carried their momentum into the second set, opening with an ace from Bury and kills from Simmons and Xinlei Yang. Stetson held an early lead before FGCU tied things up at 11 and eventually pulled ahead. The Hatters closed the gap behind key points from Lilyanna Parker and Rut, but the Eagles held on for a 25-22 decision.
The third set mirrored the second, as Stetson continued to fight from start to finish. Bury's late kill knotted the score at 22-22, but FGCU edged out another narrow win, 25-22. Bury recorded her 11th double-double of the season in the process, continuing her standout campaign.

In the fourth set, the Hatters once again pushed the Eagles to the limit. After falling behind 3-0, Stetson responded with a 3-0 run of its own, highlighted by a kill from Kayla Balfour. The Hatters built a 9-6 advantage and stayed within reach throughout the set. Bury delivered clutch kills to tie the score at 23-23, but FGCU managed to close out the match, 25-23.

Molina led the offense with 34 assists and 15 digs, marking her 21st double-double of the season. Bury posted 22 kills on 56 swings (.339) and added 15 digs, while Rut tallied six total blocks, including two solo. Parker added seven blocks, enhancing Stetson's net presence. Vanessa Shevchenko tied her career high with 10 assists, contributing to the Hatters' balanced offensive effort.

Stetson will now hit the road to face North Florida on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. in Jacksonville.
 
.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.