Miami, Fla. – Stetson Volleyball (1-4, 0-0 ASUN) dropped both matches at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center this week, falling in straight sets to UCF (4-0, 0-0 Big 12) on Thursday and in four sets to FIU (3-1, 0-0 CUSA) on Friday.

UCF 3, Stetson 0 (25-9, 25-15, 25-11)
The Hatters faced a tough test against a high-powered UCF squad that came into the match undefeated. Despite a strong defensive effort and moments of offensive rhythm, Stetson couldn't overcome the Knights' .419 team hitting percentage.

Stetson got contributions across the board, with Zuzanna Bury and Kayla Balfour each recording multiple kills in the opening frame, both assisted by Nyah Molina. On defense, Bury and Balfour forced consecutive UCF errors, but the Hatters ultimately dropped the set 25-9.

In the second set, Skylar English's ace sparked an early UCF run, but the Hatters responded with kills from Xinlei Yang and a service ace by Vitoria Stedile during a late rally. Despite blocks from Yang and Molina at 24-14, the set slipped away 25-15.

The final set featured early momentum from UCF, though Stetson briefly cut the lead to 6-4 thanks to more kills from Bury and Balfour. Lindsay Cox added a service ace, but the Knights closed it out 25-11.

FIU 3, Stetson 1 (25-23, 25-23, 17-25, 25-19)
Stetson bounced back with a gritty performance against FIU, taking the third set and pushing the Panthers in three others.

The Hatters came out swinging in set one, jumping out to a 3-0 lead behind a Bury ace and a Yang kill. Despite a back-and-forth battle and late kills from Bury, FIU narrowly edged Stetson, 25-23.

Set two followed a similar pattern, with Molina distributing the offense and key plays from Bury and Yang keeping the Hatters within striking distance. Yang's service ace brought Stetson within one late, but FIU again escaped with a 25-23 win.

Stetson's response in set three was emphatic. A hot start included back-to-back kills and an ace from Jenna Simmons, while Balfour and Bury anchored the net defense. Molina continued to set the tempo and Bury sealed the 25-17 win with her 14th kill of the match.

In the fourth, the Hatters fought hard to erase an early deficit, highlighted by two aces from Stedile and more key setups from Molina. But FIU held off the late push, taking the set 25-19 and the match.

Bury finished the day with 27 kills, 15 digs, and four total blocks. She picked up her third double double of the season against FIU with 20 kills and 12 digs. Nyah Molina tallied 51 digs over the seven sets and sits just 52 away from hitting the 3000 mark. When she hits that mark, she will become the third player in Stetson history with 3000 assists and 1000 digs. Molina tallied her fourth double double of the season with 38 digs and 12 assists against FIU. Vanessa Shevchenko made a huge contribution at the net against Florida International collecting four total blocks and adding four kills to go with it. 
 

Up Next for the Hatters
Stetson will look to regroup and finish out the 305 Challenge when they face North Texas on Saturday, Sept. 6. First serve is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center in Miami.