Stetson starting pitcher Lindsey Caughel (Orlando, Fla.) threw 4.1 innings allowed three earned runs, seven hits, and struck out six batters. Justin Dechert (Boynton Beach, Fla.) took the loss after tossing 1.1 innings and giving up four runs on three hits. Siena's Ryan Poplawski (North Syracuse, NY) pitched 3.1 scoreless innings and was credited with the win.

Stetson struck first with a run in the bottom of the second inning. Aaron Crittenden (Fort Myers, Fla.), Robert Crews (Port Charlotte, Fla.) and Sean Emory (Miami, Fla.) hit consecutive singles to load the bases. Freshman Ryan Lashley (Lake Worth, Fla.) followed with an RBI fielder's choice.

Siena plated a single run in the top of the 4^th and two more in the 5^th before Stetson responded with two of its own in the bottom half of the 5^th. Emory led off the inning with a walk and then with one out Simpson drilled a base hit through the hole in the left side sending Emory to third. Theisen was next and he laid down a perfect bunt just past the sprawling pitcher for a single and an RBI. Then with two outs catcher Nick Rickles (Loxahatchee, Fla.) smacked a single through the left side to score Simpson.

In the bottom of the 6^th Stetson took a 4-3 lead on a sacrifice fly by Lashley. Crittenden, who walked to open the inning scored on the play.

In the top of the 7^th Siena jumped on Dechert for five runs and took the lead for good at 8-4. Stetson was not able to mount an offensive attack to get back in the game. All-time it was Siena's 3^rd win over Stetson in 33 games played.

"We just hit way too many balls in the air tonight (nine fly outs)", said Stetson head coach Pete Dunn. "Give their pitching credit their breaking balls kept us off balance and we just were not efficient with our offense."

Stetson and Siena will take the field tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in the second of the four-game series. Hatters fans can catch the action on Hatter Vision by going to www.gohatters.com. Bill Topping will call the action with color provided by Dave Marsh.