DELAND, Fla. – The Stetson Hatters exploded for seven runs in the third inning, securing a 7-2 victory over USC Upstate on Friday.
Hayley Arnold started in the circle for the Hatters, pitching two innings and allowing three hits, one walk, and two runs. Stetson struck in the bottom of the third to take control of the game.
Madelyn Synoracki led off with a walk, and Kami Eppley followed with a single to first base. Emily Santana then delivered a double to right-center, bringing both runners home to tie the game at 2. Nadia English walked, and Dylan Anthony singled to third to load the bases. With two outs, Gia Napoli singled to left field, driving in two runs to give Stetson a 4-2 lead. Foster then added a single through the left side to load the bases once more. Synoracki was hit by a pitch, bringing in another run. Eppley capped the inning with a hard-hit ball to third that deflected off the fielder's glove, allowing two more runs to score, making it 7-2.
Caitlyn Kulczyski relieved Arnold in the third inning and pitched five shutout innings to earn the win. She gave up just one hit and one walk while striking out three.
The Hatters' defense was outstanding, with Napoli robbing a home run in the third inning and Annabela McClerren making a diving catch to start the seventh.
Stetson will return to Patricia Wilson Field on Saturday, March 8, for a rematch against USC Upstate at 12:30 p.m., followed by a game against Bryant at 3:00 p.m.
