CHARLESTON, S.C. — Stetson University staged an impressive comeback to defeat Youngstown State University in a thrilling five-set match (23-25, 11-25, 25-23, 25-23, 15-11) on Saturday at TD Arena. After dropping the first two sets, the Hatters rallied to win the final three and secure a hard-fought victory.
"It was important for us to hold on in the third set and the team was resilient through the rest of the match," said Head Coach
Yang Deng. "With a team this young we need hard experiences like this to continue to improve."
The opening set saw Stetson jump out to a 10-6 lead, powered by early kills from
Jenna Simmons and
Kayla Balfour.
Zuzanna Bury added to the momentum with key attacks, and
Xinlei Yang's service ace helped maintain a narrow edge at 17-16. However, despite Bury's late kill that brought the score to 24-23, Youngstown State closed out the set 25-23.
Momentum stayed with the Penguins in the second set. Though it began as a back-and-forth exchange, Youngstown State quickly pulled away and took the frame 25-11.
With their backs against the wall, the Hatters responded in the third set. Stetson raced to a 7-1 lead behind strong service from Yang and a kill by Bury. Youngstown State clawed back to tie the set at 19-19, but Stetson answered with a late surge. Simmons and Bury each delivered key kills and Simmons sealed the set at 25-23 with a decisive swing. Bury's strong all-around play continued as she closed in on her first career 20-20 double double.
In the fourth set, Stetson again started hot, with Bury delivering back-to-back kills for an early 4-0 lead. The Penguins tied the score at 9-9, but the Hatters responded with composed play from Yang and
Vanessa Shevchenko. The set remained tight until the end, when Bury and Yang each came through with clutch kills—Yang's final strike securing another 25-23 win to force a deciding fifth set.
Youngstown State came out strong in the final frame, jumping ahead 4-1. But Stetson stayed composed. Balfour and Bury combined for critical blocks and kills, swinging momentum back in the Hatters' favor. Trailing 9-10, Stetson launched a 6-1 run—fueled by Molina's precise setting—to take control. Bury capped off the comeback with her 27th kill, clinching the 15-11 victory.
Zuzanna Bury led the way with career highs of 27 kills and 20 digs.
Nyah Molina was instrumental in running the offense, recording 51 assists to go along with 19 digs.
Kayla Balfour added 13 kills and five blocks, while
Vitoria Stedile anchored the defense with a team-high 21 digs.
The Hatters will wrap up the Steve Baumrind Invitational against Charleston at TD Arena. The game is set for Sunday, Sept. 14, with action beginning at 2 p.m.
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.
