JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Stetson University (9-18, 5-10 ASUN) pushed North Florida to five sets on Friday night at UNF Arena, but the Hatters ultimately came up just short in a 25-22, 10-25, 25-20, 13-25, 10-15 decision.

The Hatters opened the night with a strong first set, taking advantage of early opportunities and building steady momentum. Nyah Molina set the tone early, connecting with Xinlei Yang and Kayla Balfour for kills that kept Stetson in front. After UNF briefly pulled even at 17-17, the Hatters responded immediately—Vitoria Stedile delivered a timely ace, and Lilyanna Parker followed with a kill to restore control. Parker later put down the final point to secure the 25-22 win.

Stetson worked to stay in system in the second set, with Yang, Jenna Simmons, and Zuzanna Bury continuing to generate swings, but several untimely errors made it difficult for the Hatters to sustain momentum, allowing UNF to even the match.

Stetson regrouped in the third set with one of its sharpest stretches of the night. The Hatters jumped out to a 4-0 lead behind kills from Parker and Bury and a service ace from Molina. Strong net play—featuring blocks from Balfour and Molina—helped Stetson slow UNF's attacks and maintain control. As the frame progressed, Yang and Bury delivered key kills, and Stedile closed out the set from the service line with an ace for the 25-20 victory.

The Hatters continued to fight in the fourth, climbing back within 13-11 after a service ace from Bury and kills from Parker and Simmons energized the Stetson bench. Despite the push, Stetson couldn't fully close the gap, sending the match to a decisive fifth set.

In the final frame, Stetson remained within striking distance throughout. Yang tied the set early with a kill, and later, back-to-back kills from Bury—both assisted by Molina—brought the Hatters within 11-10. Stetson continued to pressure offensively, but a late stretch of miscues allowed UNF just enough separation to edge out the set 15-10.

Molina finished with 33 assists and 18 digs, steering the offense and providing strong back-row support. Bury posted 13 kills and 21 digs while Stedile anchored the defense with 19 digs and added three aces. Simmons contributed eight kills and five digs.

Stetson closes its regular season on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. against Jacksonville at Swisher Gymnasium.
 
.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.