DeLAND—Three different players scored goals as Stetson opened its exhibition season with a 3-1 win over Mercer, Wednesday at the Athletic Training Center.
The Hatters and Bears played three 30-minute periods in the first field action for either team as they prepare for the 2016 regular season. This was the first of two exhibition games for the Hatters.
Stetson dominated play, out-shooting Mercer 17-10, including 14-4 in the first two periods. Florencia Baldassini, Briana Camargo and Sarah Collins each found the net for the Hatters.
Stetson goalkeepers Emily Plotz and Ashlee Oleinikow combined to make four saves.
Stetson started a different lineup in each of the three periods and all 20 available players saw at least 30 minutes of action.
Stetson head coach Manoj Khettry was impressed with his team's depth and thinks that depth will provide the Hatters with a lot of lineup flexibility throughout the season.
“I felt like before the season began that we could have the deepest team since I've been here,” Khettry said. “And tonight we confirmed that. All in all, this was a decent start for us. I don't think by any stretch that we have figured out our starting 11 yet. I imagine the starting lineup we use on opening night will be different than the lineup we use later in the season when we begin conference play.”
The Hatters face one more preseason challenge when they visit Eastern Florida State, 7 p.m., Sunday in Melbourne. The regular season begins Friday, Aug. 19 when the Hatters host FIU.
--SU--
