DeLand, Fla. - The Stetson University softball team found itself on the better side of Wednesday's at home match against No. 25 ranked UCF at Patricia Wilson Field.
At the beginning of the game, the Knights scored three runs in the first half inning, stunning the Hatters and leaving them to put in work.
Kami Eppley brought light to her team when she scored off of Briana Clery's single up the middle.
Following the first half inning, pitcher
Lauren Hobbs locked in and kept the visiting Knights bats silent, only surrendering one hit after the first inning with one strikeout and no walks.
In the bottom of the seventh, Stetson was down 3-1 and needed to fight for victory. It was
Haley Fox who hit a single to right center, allowing
Marissa Baxter to advance to second, bringing
Haley Yeary home and narrowing the score to 3-2. Shortly after, Anabella McClerren drew a walk to first base and loaded the bases for SU. With bases loaded and two outs/ strikes recorded on the board,
Kami Eppley, who currently leads the Hatters with a .486 batting average, stepped up to the plate. The errupting crowd was patient with Eppley as she drew three balls and was waiting for her moment. Eppley swung, hit a line out to UCF'S third baseman who attempted to throw McClerren out but was unsuccessful and mistossed the underhanded throw- allowing Fox and Baxter to score for the Hatters and celebrate a huge at home win over the Knights. Eppley's walk-off single against a top 25 team was a monumental stepping stone for the Hatters and a massive confidence boost heading into the Stetson Invitational beginning Friday, February 24 at Patricia Wilson Field.
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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