JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Stetson softball team returned to action on Sunday afternoon, looking to salvage their series at North Florida after dropping both games in Saturday's doubleheader. The Hatters did just that, edging out the Ospreys 1-0 behind a masterful pitching performance from freshman Hannah Marien.

The Hatters applied constant pressure to UNF (19-11, 2-4 ASUN) starter Ashley Connor, putting runners in scoring position in each of the first four innings, but it wasn't until the fifth that they would be able to push a run across. Shortstop Kami Eppley reached on an error to lead the inning off and stole second before coming in to score on a single from center fielder Haley Fox.

That would be all the offense Stetson (18-15, 2-4 ASUN) would need, as Marien (8-6) picked up her ninth complete game of the season, shutting out the Ospreys and surrendering just two hits. She struck out a pair and did not issue a walk.

Left fielder Alyssa Gilman was one of two Hatters to reach base multiple times on the day, going 1-for-2 with a walk and a sacrifice. She was joined by third baseman Marissa Baxter, who was 1-for-2 with a double and a walk to go along with a stolen base.
 
Stetson continues the road trip with four games next week. The Hatters will make the trip to Gainesville on Wednesday, taking on tenth-ranked Florida at 6:00 PM, before journeying to Nashville, Tennessee for a three-game set at Lipscomb. The Hatters and Bisons will square off at 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM on Saturday before closing out the series at 1:00 PM on Sunday.

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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