DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson women's basketball put on an offensive clinic in its home opener Thursday night, cruising past Warner 105-40 inside Insight Credit Union Arena at the Edmunds Center. The Hatters (1-1) saw all five starters reach double figures and six players in total score in double digits as they secured their first win of the season in dominant fashion.
Graduate guard Mary McMillan once again paced the Hatters' attack, finishing with 13 points and eight assists in 24 minutes. Candela Garcia-Escribano Pozo led all scorers with 17 points off the bench, while Eva Bradshaw poured in 14 points in her first career start and hit four of Stetson's 13 three-pointers, tying the second-most by a team in a single game in program history. Aleah Sorrentino nearly recorded a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds, and Promise Keshi pulled down a team-high nine reounds to go with eight points and two blocks. Freshman Sophie Locatelli came away with five steals while Jorah Eppley and McMillan both tallied four.
The Hatters came out firing from the opening tip, hitting six three-pointers in the first quarter alone to build a commanding 37-14 lead. McMillan connected from deep on Stetson's first possession, setting the tone for an offensive onslaught that saw nine Hatters enter the scoring column by the end of the opening period. Stetson's defense forced seven turnovers in the quarter, converting them into 15 points on the other end while limiting the Royals to just 28.6 percent shooting.
The second quarter brought more of the same, as the Hatters continued to extend their lead with balanced scoring and high-pressure defense. Bradshaw, Cameron Thomas, and Locatelli each contributed key buckets during a 9-0 run midway through the frame, while Keshi and Sorrentino controlled the paint on both ends. By halftime, Stetson held a 54-26 advantage, with the starters combining for 45 of the team's first-half points and nine different players recording at least one assist.
Stetson dominated the third quarter, outscoring Warner 26-8 to put the game well out of reach. The Hatters opened the frame on a 16-0 run sparked by back-to-back threes from Bradshaw and McMillan. Locatelli's relentless defensive effort led to multiple transition opportunities, and her five steals helped fuel a Stetson defense that forced 32 turnovers overall. Garcia-Escribano Pozo continued to provide a spark off the bench, scoring nine of her team-high 17 points in the second half.
The Hatters didn't slow down in the fourth, holding the Royals to just six points over the final 10 minutes while closing the game on a 21-5 run. Favour Anyaele and Rose Caso made key contributions off the bench, combining for 15 points and nine rebounds. Stetson's 105 total points marked its highest output since a 102-43 victory over Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 7, 2024, while its 54 rebounds were the most in a game since Feb. 20, 2025, against West Georgia.
It was a complete team effort for Stetson, which recorded 29 assists on 37 made field goals, a remarkable 78 percent assist rate, and scored 44 bench points. The Hatters also dominated the glass 54-34, including 19 offensive rebounds that led to 25 second-chance points.
The victory marked Head Coach Lynn Bria's 299th win at Stetson, moving her one step away from the 300-win milestone.
The Hatters hit the road for their next matchup, traveling to Baltimore, Maryland, to face Morgan State on Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 PM inside Hill Field House.
COACH BRIA INTERVIEW
TOP PERFORMERS
- Candela Garcia-Escribano – 17 points, 6-9 FG, 2 steals
- Mary McMillan – 13 points, 8 assists, 4 steals
- Eva Bradshaw – 14 points, 4 3FG, 2 assists
- Aleah Sorrentino – 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
- Promise Keshi – 8 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks
- Sophie Locatelli – 6 points, 5 steals, 4 assists
GAME NOTES
- Stetson's 105 points were its most since Nov. 7, 2024 (102 vs. Fort Lauderdale).
- The Hatters tied their program's second-most three-pointers in a game with 13.
- Six players scored in double figures; all five starters reached double digits.
- The Hatters forced 32 turnovers and converted them into 36 points.
- Stetson collected 19 steals — its most since Nov. 9 2021) (32 vs. Johnson (FL))
- The Hatters dished out 29 assists on 37 field goals (78% assist rate).
- Stetson out-rebounded Warner 54-34 and grabbed 19 offensive boards.
- The Hatters scored 44 points off the bench and 25 second-chance points.
- Head Coach Lynn Bria earned her 299th win at Stetson.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
