CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Stetson Hatters jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back, securing a 6-2 win over the Queens Royals on Saturday, March 29.

"I thought the girls made some good adjustments at the plate after a rough Game 1," said Head Coach Shellie Cousins. "It was important for us to take that series and they came back and responded well in Games 2 and 3. It's always big to get a series win on the road and now we've got to look ahead to the next one. I'm excited for a week of practice to iron some things out and I'm looking forward to a good series at UNF."

Junior Caitlyn Kulczyski earned the win for Stetson, tossing three innings and allowing one run on two hits. Freshman Ava Braswell also contributed in the circle, pitching four innings and giving up one run on four hits.

The Hatters wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, putting up one run in the top of the first inning. Addison Foster led off with a walk, stole second, and came around to score after Kami Eppley doubled down the left-field line. Eppley then advanced to third on a fly ball by Amber Chumley and scored on a groundout by Nadia English.

Queens responded in the bottom of the second with a solo home run, but Stetson regained the lead in the top of the third. Foster hit a leadoff double to right field, and after a foul out by Chumley, she tagged up and advanced to third. A throwing error by the Royals allowed Foster to score, making it 3-1.

The Hatters extended their lead in the top of the sixth with a three-run inning. Back-to-back singles by Dylan Anthony and Devon Weller put runners on base for Stetson. Gabby David drew a walk, loading the bases for Foster. Foster hit a ground ball to first, but the Royals' first baseman's throw to home sailed out of play, allowing all runners to advance two bases and putting Stetson ahead 5-1. Eppley followed with a groundout to second, bringing in another run to make it 6-1.

Queens added one more run in the bottom of the seventh, but the Hatters held on for a 6-2 victory.

Up next, Stetson will head to Jacksonville for their second weekend series with North Florida. The series begins on Saturday, April 5, with games at 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.