LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Stetson volleyball fell to Bellarmine in straight sets on Friday night, 13-25, 13-25, 20-25.
The Hatters finished with five total blocks and four service aces without committing a service error.
Vitoria Stedile led the way with a season-high three aces and a team-high 11 digs, while
Kayla Balfour recorded four total blocks, including two solo blocks, to extend her streak to three consecutive matches with at least four blocks.
Stetson traded points with Bellarmine early in the opening set, tying the score at 3-3 on kills from
Kayla Balfour,
Sofia Torcello and
Vanessa Shevchenko. The Knights responded with five consecutive points to create separation. The Hatters added kills from
Andrea Diaz Dominguez and
Karsu Bayraktar as they looked to close the gap, but Bellarmine took the first set 25-13.
The Hatters came out strong in the second set, opening with four straight points behind a
Soraya Teston kill off an assist from
Larissa Hiemer and back-to-back service aces from Stedile. Bellarmine worked its way back into the set before putting together a seven-point run to take a 14-9 lead. The Knights maintained their advantage to claim the second set 25-13.
Stetson continued to push in the third set after falling behind 13-8. A Balfour kill, another Stedile service ace and a Teston kill brought the Hatters within two at 13-11. Bellarmine answered with four consecutive points, but Stetson continued to compete and cut the deficit to three points at 23-20 on a Shevchenko kill. The Knights closed out the set 25-20 to secure the match.
Hatters Top Performers
Up Next
Stetson closes out its road trip Saturday, Oct. 24, against Lipscomb in Nashville, Tennessee. First serve is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET at Allen Arena.
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.
