DeLand, Fla. -  The Stetson Hatters were back in action at Melching Field on Saturday night, looking to secure the series victory against the Kennesaw State Owls. Despite a strong relief outing from pitcher Aric McAtee and a late rally, the Hatters fell just short, falling to the Owls 4-3.

Stetson (21-10, 8-3 ASUN) starter John Modugno worked around a double off the wall in the top of the first, and the Stetson offense staked him to an early lead in the bottom of the frame. Centerfielder Kyle Jones led off with a single up the middle and advanced to third on a single from third baseman Isaiah Barkett, before scoring on a sacrifice fly from shorstop Lorenzo Meola to give the Hatters a 1-0 lead after one. 

After Kennesaw State (17-12, 7-4 ASUN) struck three times in the top of the third to take a 3-1 lead, Stetson looked poised to answer back in the fourth, when catcher Gio Cueto reached on an error and first baseman Landon Moran roped a double down the right-field line, but the Hatters ultimately came up empty-handed. 

Neither side was able to score again until the ninth, when the Owls scratched across a run to push the lead to 4-1. 

Stetson refused to go down quietly however, as second baseman Yohann Dessureault ripped a one-out single to right field to start the rally attempt. After a strikeout saw the Hatters facing their final out, Jones doubled down the left-field line to put a pair in scoring position for Barkett, who collected a double to left of his own to plate both runs and cut the Owls advantage to just one run at 4-3. Meola was then hit by a pitch, but a sharp line drive off the bat of right fielder Logan Hughes was caught on the dive by the KSU second baseman to end the game. 

Jones led the Hatters at the plate on the day, going 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored, and Barkett added two RBI and a double while going 2-for-5.

Modugno (0-2) took the loss for Stetson, allowing three runs on one hit and four walks while striking out three in 2.1 innings. McAtee turned in a stellar performance out of the 'pen for the Hatters, allowing just one run and seven hits while striking out seven Owls in 6.1 innings. Brendan Walker faced the final Kennesaw State batter, striking him out on three pitches. 

The Hatters and Owls will return to action for the rubber match of their ASUN series tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is set for 1:00 PM.