DeLand, Fla. – Stetson softball dropped both games of their doubleheader against Arizona State on Wednesday evening, falling 5-2 and 14-5. Addison Foster went 3-3 in the second game of the double header with a stolen base.
In Game 1, Kennedy Temples started for Stetson, pitching 3.1 innings and giving up five earned runs on six hits, two walks, and one strikeout. Arizona State jumped ahead with a solo home run to start the game and added two more runs in the top of the second. The Hatters responded in the bottom of the third. Dylan Anthony led off with a single to left field, followed by walks to Gia Napoli and Addison Foster to load the bases. Kami Eppley brought in one run with a chopper to the pitcher, and Amber Chumley drove in another with a single to center, cutting the lead to 3-2.
The Sun Devils added two more runs in the top of the fourth, as Ava Braswell came in to relieve Temples. Braswell pitched 3.2 innings, allowing two hits, one walk, and striking out one. Despite their efforts, Stetson couldn't push across any more runs and lost the game 5-2.
In Game 2, Caitlin Mullen started for the Hatters but was relieved by Hayley Arnold. Arizona State tallied eight runs in the top of the first inning. Stetson fought back in the bottom of the first, starting with a bunt single by Foster, who advanced to second on a throwing error by the catcher. Eppley then doubled down the right field line, and Chumley's grounder to short brought Foster home. Emily Santana grounded to third, and Eppley was caught in a rundown but managed to dive home and score, making it 8-2.
Arizona State added another run in the top of the second, but Stetson continued to battle. Annabella McClerren singled up the middle, and Gabby David followed with a single to right center. Foster drove one up the middle to load the bases, and with two outs, Chumley's grounder snuck through the middle, driving in two more runs to make it 9-4.
After a scoreless third inning, the Sun Devils added a run in the top of the fourth. The Hatters answered back as David walked, and Alivia Taibl pinch ran. Taibl advanced to second on a ground out and to third on a single by Foster. Foster stole second, and a sac fly by Eppley brought Taibl home, cutting the lead to 10-5. Caitlyn Kulczyski came in to finish the top of the fifth for the Hatters. Arizona State tacked on four more runs, and Stetson fell 14-5 in five innings.
After going 0-2 in the first game, Foster bounced back with three singles in Game 2 and scored a run in each game. Eppley, Chumley, and McClerren recorded a hit in both games, with Chumley driving in four RBIs across the two contests.
Stetson will open their conference schedule by hosting North Florida for a doubleheader on Saturday, March 15, at 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
