FORT MYERS, Fla. — Stetson volleyball battled throughout its ASUN opener Saturday at FGCU, putting together a six-point run in the third set to pull within one before ultimately falling to the Eagles, 3–0 (13–25, 16–25, 18–25), at Alico Arena.
The Hatters finished with 25 kills and four total blocks, with several players making an impact throughout the match.
Vanessa Shevchenko led Stetson with five kills, 11 assists, six digs and three blocks, while
Sofia Torcello added five kills on .444 hitting.
Kayla Balfour also recorded five kills and three blocks, and
Jannelize Perez anchored the back row with a team-high 12 digs.
Stetson opened the match by battling back from an early 5–0 deficit. Shevchenko recorded consecutive kills off
Maia Pou assists to bring the Hatters within 5–3, while
Andrea Diaz Dominguez later added a service ace to make it 10–7. Balfour contributed two late kills and Perez added a service ace as the Hatters continued to battle before FGCU closed the set, 25–13.
The Hatters came out strong again in the second set, taking an early 4–1 lead. FGCU answered with four straight points, but Stetson continued to receive contributions from Balfour, Diaz Dominguez, Torcello and Shevchenko as the Hatters worked to stay within reach. FGCU eventually pulled away to take the set, 25–16.
Stetson saved its strongest push for the third set. After falling behind 14–7, the Hatters erupted for six straight points to pull within 14–13. Diaz Dominguez helped spark the comeback from the service line, while
Soraya Teston added two kills and Diaz Dominguez followed with a service ace. A block from Balfour and Shevchenko capped the run.
FGCU answered with six straight points of its own, but Stetson continued to fight late in the set. Shevchenko added a kill and service ace, while
Karsu Bayraktar contributed a block as the Hatters continued to battle before FGCU closed the set, 25–18.
Hatters Top Performers
Up Next
The Hatters return home to host West Florida on Friday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. at Insight Credit Union Arena at the Edmunds Center in DeLand.
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.
