Stetson Wins Five-Game Thriller Over Campbell

DeLand, Fla. -- After letting a 2-0 lead slip away, Stetson rallied behind late heriocs from Ashley Porterfield for a thrilling 3-2 victory over Campbell in an Atlantic Sun Conference volleyball match Saturday afternoon at the Edmunds Center.
The Hatters (6-9, 3-3 A-Sun) picked up their third consecutive victory and moved into a tie with Mercer for sixth place in the conference standings. The Camels (8-12, 2-4 A-Sun) suffered their second straight five-game loss in as many days.
Stetson battled its way to game one and game two victories by scores of 30-26 and 30-25. But as the Hatters have witnessed twice already this season, their opponent came back to tie the match. This time, it was Campbell with a 30-26 victory in game three and a 30-21 victory in game four.
In the decisive game five, Campbell jumped out to an early 7-3 lead. Porterfield then helped spark a 4-0 run with a kill to tie the game 7-7, followed one point later by back-to-back blocks that put Stetson ahead 10-7.
After the Camels closed the gap to 10-8, Porterfield took over again, adding one block assist and three kills, including the game-winner, over the Hatters' final five points to seal the victory.
Kira Smedley recorded a double-double of 22 kills and 24 digs, including 12 digs in game one alone. She also passed the 1,200 mark for career kills. DeeAnn Dempsey added 20 kills and 14 digs, while Liz Gorski picked up 17 digs.
The loss spoiled a 29-kill performance from the Camels' Tabitha Turner, who also picked up 10 digs. Alissa Brackeen registered a double-double with 13 kills and 15 digs, while Sarah Dillon dished out 58 assists and Crystal Sieber picked up 18 digs.
Campbell owned an 11-2 edge in blocks through the first four games, but Stetson collected the only four blocks in game five. The Hatters avoided letting a 2-0 lead slip away for the third time this season.
The Fighting Camels return to action Tuesday, October 19 when they host UNC Greensboro. Game time is schedule for 7:00 p.m. [Box Score]