DeLand, Fla. - The Stetson softball team (4-7) suffered two losses on the opening day of the Hatter Classic, falling 5-2 to Valparaiso and 5-3 to Bethune-Cookman at Patricia Wilson Field.  Freshman center fielder Chrissy Morello (Ormond Beach, Fla.) went four for eight at the plate with a stolen base.

VALPARAISO 5, STETSON 2

Crusaders center fielder Sarah Strickland hit two home runs and catcher Jordan Rutkowski went deep as well to lead the visitors to the 5-2 victory over the Hatters.  Stetson got its only runs on a bases loaded none out double play in the second and an RBI double from senior right fielder Rachel Lowe (Okeechobee, Fla.) in the sixth.  Sophomore pitcher Courtney Gunby (Bishop, Ga.) had six strikeouts in relief for Stetson.  Alex Lagesse struck out four in a complete game victory for Valparaiso.

BETHUNE-COOKMAN 5, STETSON 3

Despite out-hitting the Wildcats 12-7, Stetson stranded 15 runners on base in the nightcap to suffer a disappointing loss to its Volusia County rivals after defeating them 17-3 just one week ago.  B-CU used a four-run second inning, three of which scored after a two-out Stetson error, to stay two steps ahead of the Hatters all night.  Stetson left the bases loaded in the fifth and again in the sixth.  Morello had three hits and an RBI with senior designated player Katelyn Perna (St. Petersburg, Fla.) and senior third baseman Jill Semento adding two hits apiece.  Sophomore Camille Czarnecki (Edmonton, Alta.) went the distance in the circle and finished with three strikeouts.  Allison Garcia earned the win in relief for Bethune-Cookman, striking out seven in five innings and going two for three with an RBI at the dish as well.

Stetson hosts Charleston Southern at 4 p.m. and Valparaiso again at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow as the Hatter Classic continues at Patricia Wilson Field.  Live Stats and Hatter Vision are available at GoHatters.com.