FLORENCE, Ala. (October 10, 2025) – The University of North Alabama volleyball team overcame a nine-point fourth-set deficit Friday night en route to a thrilling 3-1 home victory over Stetson in CB&S Bank Arena.
The Lions (9-9, 3-2 ASUN) earned their third-straight home win in dramatic fashion, roaring back from the deficit to claim their second all-time win over Stetson. Career nights from sophomore duo Kinslee McGowan and Reese Ricketts led the charge as the Lions fended off the Hatters (6-11, 2-3 ASUN) to open the weekend's home slate.
McGowan's stellar night began on a high note, securing her 1,000th career assists on the Lions first offensive possession. The Cleveland, Tenn. native continues to standout with a Division I program record 56 assists. This complimented a career night from Ricketts, who was on fire on the attack with a career-high 25 kills on an efficient .354 hitting percentage.
Ricketts was key in UNA's opening set win with three kills alongside junior Kendall Barnes. Defense also played a part by forcing Stetson into a negative-.133 hitting percentage to go with two blocks. The Lions raced out to a one-set lead after 25-15 first frame.
Set two began the battle between the two squads. The teams went back and forth, indicated by the 10 tied scores and six lead changes. The frame remained even through regular play with the set decided in a win-by-two situation. Two-straight Hatters' points saw the set out for Stetson, 27-25.
North Alabama answered back with a third-set win using their most efficient offensive outing. Nineteen kills on a team .350 hitting percentage led the way for UNA with four Lions securing at least four kills. Ricketts and freshman Jenna Kolosta secured a team-leading five kills in the set. The Lions, with momentum on their side, won set three in another strong showing, 25-16.
The fourth set began in favor of the Stetson with the service line proving key early on. The Hatters' Vanessa Shevchenko led the charge with four aces as Stetson got out to a 13-4 advantage. North Alabama stormed back despite the deficit, outscoring the Hatters 20-11 to get to 24 and force a win-by-two situation.
Ricketts was the catalyst on the attack with her eight kills fueling UNA. The Lions forced a second win-by-two scenario, with two quick North Alabama points winning the match, 26-24. In poetic fashion, a game-sealing kill from Ricketts off an assist from McGowan completed the career night for both Lions.
The night provided additional solid outings on the attack for Barnes and Nicole Sargent. Barnes finished with 16 kills, and Sargent had 10 kills with the team-leading two blocks to tie with senior Jolana Smidlova and Kolosta.
Ricketts additionally had the team high with three aces, and junior Ava Martindale registered 18 digs to lead the Lions.
North Alabama looks to continue its winning ways in CB&S Bank Arena against FGCU on Sunday, Oct. 12 at noon.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
