Nashville, Tenn. ? In the Atlantic Sun Conference preseason poll Stetson and Lipscomb were chosen as the two teams most likely to win the conference tournament and move on to an NCAA regional. If the Hatters plan to be that team, they will have to find a way to overcome this weekend's sweep by the Bisons. Fortunately for Stetson the championship tournament will be played in Deland.

Stetson (8-15, 2-4) dropped today's series finale 3-1 to Lipscomb (11-10, 8-1) in Nashville. It was a game that featured strong pitching and home runs by both teams. The Hatters had the most hits with five, yet the Bisons had the most home runs with two.

With one out in the first inning Casey Frawley (New haven, Ct.) stepped into the box and delivered his fifth home run of the season to put Stetson up 1-0. Lipscomb responded with a solo homer in the third and a two-run shot in the fourth and the day's scoring was complete.

Stetson starter Lindsay Caughel (Orlando, Fla.) had another solid outing pitching five innings and allowing just three hits while striking out five batters. The relief brigade of David Burns (Seminole, Fla.), Jake Hitchcock (Alachua, Fla.), Ian Thompson (St. Petersburg, Fla.). and Nick Bohne (Melbourne, Fla.) did not allow a run or a hit in three combined innings. Bohne struck out one Bison.

Lipscomb starter Josh Smith (Margate, Fla.) was impressive throwing 7 1/3 innings and striking out 11 Hatters.

Frawley was 2-for-4 on the day. Jeremy Cruz (Miami, Fla.), Alex Hudak (Sorrento, Fla.), and Frank Florio (Long Valley, NJ) each picked up singles. Cruz was twice hit by a pitch in key offensive situations, and Florio delivered a hit in his third consecutive game.

Stetson will return to Florida for another road game at USF on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., and then host Kennesaw State next Friday and Saturday. Friday's game starts at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday's doubleheader will begin at 1:00 p.m. Stetson fans can hear all the games on Hatter Vision found at www.gohatters.com. The voice of Hatters baseball Bill Topping will call the action. Tickets for all Stetson home games can be purchased on line at gohatters.com or at the gate on game day.