BUIES CREEK, N.C. — Stetson volleyball closed out the Campbell Invitational with a 3–1 loss to host Campbell on Saturday at Gore Arena. The Hatters showed their strongest stretch in the third set, overcoming multiple deficits before taking the set, 26–24.
Stetson also turned in a strong serving performance, committing just two service errors, while recording seven total blocks. Keely Starnes led the Hatters at the net with five blocks, including one solo block and four block assists.
The Hatters stayed even with Campbell throughout the opening set, pulling level at 13–13 before tying the score again at 15–15 on an Andrea Diaz Dominguez kill from Larissa Hiemer. Stetson continued to stay within striking distance after Campbell took a five-point lead, with Diaz Dominguez adding a late kill, but the Hatters ultimately fell 25–19.
Stetson again kept the second set close early, tying the score at 7–7 behind kills from Kayla Balfour, Lelia Fitz, Soraya Teston and Diaz Dominguez, along with a block from Starnes and Vanessa Shevchenko. The Hatters later recorded consecutive blocks from Starnes and Karsu Bayraktar before Campbell pulled away to take the set, 25–15.
The Hatters responded with their best set of the afternoon in the third. After falling behind 17–16, Stetson answered with a Fitz kill and a Diaz Dominguez service ace before consecutive attack errors helped the Hatters move in front, 20–17. Campbell eventually tied the set at 24–24, but Stetson regained the advantage on a Bayraktar kill from Diaz Dominguez. Diaz Dominguez then teamed with the Stetson block to force the final attack error and give the Hatters a 26–24 set victory.
Stetson carried its momentum into the fourth set, cutting an early 10–5 deficit to 11–9 behind kills from Diaz Dominguez and Sofia Torcello. Bayraktar later added a kill as the Hatters pulled within 17–14, but Stetson was unable to close the gap as Campbell finished the set, 25–14.
Diaz Dominguez led the Hatters with 11 kills, nine digs, two service aces and a solo block. Perez anchored the back row with 22 digs and added a service ace, while Pou directed the offense with 23 assists. Starnes recorded five blocks, including one solo, and two kills, while Teston contributed seven kills on a .217 hitting percentage and three digs.
Hatters Top Performers
Up Next
The Hatters return to action Friday, Sept. 18, when they travel to Boca Raton, Florida, to face Florida Atlantic at 6 p.m. at Eleanor R. Baldwin 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.
