Stetson University women’s volleyball opened the 2026 season with losses to FIU and host Florida Atlantic on Aug. 28 in Boca Raton, Fla. Stetson Stet fell to FIU in five sets, 3-2 (16-25, 25-11, 24-26, 25-17, 15-11), before Florida Atlantic completed a 3-0 sweep (27-25, 25-13, 25-10).
Zuzanna Bury led Stetson against FIU with 14 kills and 12 digs for the team’s first double-double of the season. Bury also recorded a team-high two service aces. Lelia Fitz added nine kills, while Vitoria Stedile paced the back row with 13 digs.
Stetson takes first and third sets against FIU
Stetson Stet won the first set 25-16 and the third set 26-24, but FIU rallied to take the match. FIU won the second set 25-11, the fourth set 25-17 and the deciding fifth set 15-11.
Kayla Balfour recorded eight blocks, and Stetson produced seven blocks in both the first and third sets. Vanessa Shevchenko directed the offense with 26 assists. The third set featured 15 ties and six lead changes before Stetson edged FIU to take a 2-1 match lead.
Florida Atlantic sweeps Stetson
Stetson returned to the court later Friday against host Florida Atlantic and fell in three sets. The opening set featured seven ties and four lead changes, with neither team leading by more than four points before Florida Atlantic won 27-25.
Florida Atlantic carried that momentum into the second set and won 25-13 before closing out the match with a 25-10 victory in the third. Vanessa Shevchenko led Stetson with five kills and 10 assists, while Vitoria Stedile posted a match-high 11 digs.
Maia Keely Pou recorded Stetson’s lone service ace against Florida Atlantic. Stetson will continue its season-opening weekend against Merrimack at 11 a.m. Saturday at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
Source: Original report