Mation, IN - Stephens Volleyball stepped onto the national stage for the first time in program history on Saturday evening, competing in the Opening Round of the NAIA National Championships at Luckey Arena in Marion, Indiana. The Stars closed their historic season with a three-set loss to No. 28 Indiana Wesleyan, falling 25–17, 26–24, and 25–15.
The moment carried weight for the program, marking the culmination of a breakthrough year that earned Stephens its first-ever national postseason berth. Once the match began, the Stars settled in and showed their competitiveness early, trading points through the first half of the opening set before the Wildcats created separation late.
Stephens' strongest push came in the second set. The Stars generated their most efficient offensive rhythm of the match, finishing with 15 kills in the frame and putting themselves in position to even the match. After trailing early, Stephens clawed back and forced extra points before Indiana Wesleyan closed the set at 26–24.
Lena Hunziker led the Stars' attack with 10 kills on 31 swings. Michalina Oles delivered one of the most efficient performances of the night, finishing with eight kills and a .316 hitting percentage. Amari Branch-Autman added seven kills and a service ace, and Fernanda Izar contributed five kills in the middle.
Setter Emma Whitson guided the offense with 29 assists and posted five digs, while Jatnna Peña-Perez anchored the back row with a team-high 13 digs. As a unit, Stephens totaled 36 kills, 44 digs, and six team blocks across the three sets.
Indiana Wesleyan's offense found a consistent rhythm behind its .277 hitting percentage, but the Stars stayed within reach for long stretches, especially through the first two sets where they combined for 15 tie scores and seven lead changes.
While the result ended the Stars' postseason run, the match marked a meaningful chapter in the program's history. Making their first appearance in the NAIA National Championships, Stephens capped a standout season that set a new standard and placed the program on the national map for the first time.
