MIAMI, Fla. — Stetson Volleyball (1-5) put together a gritty effort Friday afternoon, challenging North Texas (4-2) in a four-set battle at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center before falling 28-26, 25-21, 23-25, 25-18.
The Hatters came out firing in the first set, weathering an early North Texas lead and responding with a 4-1 run fueled by a Zuzanna Bury service ace and kills set up by Nyah Molina. Jenna Simmons added critical blocks, while Xinlei Yang delivered key swings to keep Stetson in contention. A late-set surge, including another ace from Bury and a Molina kill, tied the frame at 24-24, but North Texas edged out the 28-26 win.
In the second set, the Hatters again started strong jumping ahead 5-3. Simmons and Kayla kept the Hatters within striking distance. Stetson battled to 21 points before North Texas closed the set, 25-21.
Stetson broke through in the third, answering an early 2-0 deficit with back-to-back aces from Bury to tie the score. The Hatters took control behind strong play from Yang and Lilyanna Parker. After several lead changes, Parker clinched the set with a decisive kill, giving Stetson a 25-23 win.
The fourth set saw North Texas jump out early, but the Hatters were resilient. Yang and Bury continued to rack up the kills, and Molina added another service ace to keep things close at 10-9. Despite continued pressure from the Hatters, North Texas used a late run to take the set 25-18 and the match.
Yang led the Hatters with 14 kills, finishing with a team-high 16.5 points. Bury followed with 11 kills and a match-high four service aces, totaling 16 points. Molina anchored the offense with 35 assists and two aces.
The Hatters return to action on September 12, taking on Quinnipiac at TD Arena in Charleston, S.C. First serve is scheduled for 3 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.
