Leesburg, Fla. -- The Stetson University softball team used a 5-run bottom of the sixth to break a 3-3 tie Friday afternoon in the Hatters 8-3 win over University of Maryland on the first day of the annual Spring Games.
In the second inning, the Hatters (5-2) got on the board first as a single from Haley Fox plated Kami Eppley and junior Brianna Clary. In the fourth, the Terrapins (2-4) cut it to 2-1 Hatters lead on an RBI-groundout, but in the bottom half, Stetson got the run back as pinch runner Alyssa Gilman came across to score for the Hatters lone run of the inning, making it a 3-1 Stetson lead.
In the top of the sixth, Maryland answered back with a two-out, two-run triple from Courtney Wyche to knot the game at three apiece. Then in the bottom half, Juls Schumacher broke the tie with a leadoff homer and sparked a five-run inning for the Hatters. Fox notched both her third hit and third RBI of the game on an infield single to plate Eppley, before both Clary and Fox herself came around, giving Stetson an 8-3 edge. Marissa Baxter threw a 1-2-3 top of the seventh and the Hatters crusied to their fifth win of the year.
Junior Lauren Klein earned her second win of the season as the right-hander went 4.2 innings, giving up two runs on three hits with one punchout.
At the plate, Fox led the Hatters with a 3-for-4 day and added three RBIs while fellow freshman Eppley put together a 2-for-3 day including a double.
"The girls came out and they were ready. They did what they needed to do and they had good at bats and good energy," said first-year head coach Shellie Robinson. "I think going into the weekend we believed that we could beat these teams, but I think taking this win today let's that settle in and show the girls that they have the ability to beat anybody on any given day when they step on the field."
Friday's win over Maryland was the Hatters first win over a Power 5 team since Stetson beat Maryland 6-5 back in 2019.
The Hatters 5-2 start is the team's best start since the 2017 season.
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.
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