DELAND, Fla. - In the first meeting between the Stetson University softball team and the Florida Gators in almost eight years, the sixth-ranked Gators registered a 7-0 victory over the Hatters at Patricia Wilson Field on Tuesday night. The two teams will play again on Wednesday night in Gainesville.

Florida (26-3), who had not played in DeLand since March 11, 2006 - a 2-0 Hatters win - quickly opened the scoring in the first as Kendra Falby crossed the plate on a Skylar Wallace sacrifice fly to right.

Stetson (12-19) played solid defense behind starting pitcher Lauren Hobbs, as the Hatters turned a double play in the second, Danielle Diaz made several key plays at third and Jordyn Stanfill also caught a runner trying to steal.

However, Florida's Walsh hit a solo home run in the fourth and Charla Echols hit a two-run homer to cap a three-run fifth to increase the visitor's lead to 5-0 before they tacked on two more in the seventh to complete the scoring.

Diaz reached base twice in the game, with a single and a walk, while Evette Morgan notched Stetson's only other hit.

After tomorrow's game at Florida, the Hatters will turn their attention to this upcoming weekend's ASUN three-game home series against Bellarmine that starts on Saturday.
 

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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 (PDF).

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