DeLand, Fla. — Stetson showed fight throughout but came up short against Eastern Kentucky on Sunday, falling 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-19) at the Edmunds Center.

The Hatters opened the match with energy, taking an early lead behind kills from Lilyanna Parker and Xinlei Yang, both assisted by Nyah Molina. Stetson traded points early before a stretch of unforced errors allowed Eastern Kentucky to edge in front. Despite strong defensive efforts from Parker and Yang at the net, the Hatters dropped the set 25-14.

Stetson responded in the second set with improved consistency and service pressure. A pair of aces from Jaycee Davis and key kills from Zuzanna Bury and Zuzanna Rut helped the Hatters battle back to tie the score at 19-19. The Hatters kept the set within reach, but a few late points slipped away as Eastern Kentucky narrowly closed it out, 25-22.

In the third frame, Stetson again started well, with Vanessa Shevchenko and Bury putting away early kills and Davis adding an ace. Parker continued to find success at the net, helping keep the score tight through the midway point. However, a late run from the Colonels created separation, and Stetson's comeback attempt fell short in a 25-19 final.

Molina posted a double-double with 26 assists and 10 digs, while Bury paced the offense with nine kills and added five digs. Parker chipped in six kills, and Davis provided three service aces and six digs from the back row.

Stetson will return home on Wednesday, Nov. 12, for a 5 p.m. matchup against FGCU at Insight Credit Union Arena inside the 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.