DELAND, Fla. – Despite a massive first-inning outburst, the Stetson Hatters couldn't hold off a late UCF rally, falling 14-13 in a wild contest Wednesday evening at Patricia Wilson Field.
Caitlyn Kulczyski got the start in the circle and navigated through early trouble, stranding two UCF runners in the top of the first. In the bottom half, Stetson's offense exploded, sending 15 batters to the plate and putting up 11 runs.
Addison Foster drew a leadoff walk, and Kami Eppley followed with an infield single. Amber Chumley walked to load the bases before Nadia English singled to center to bring home the game's first run. A bases-loaded walk to Riley Weller made it 2-0, and a fielding error allowed Dylan Anthony to reach safely and score another. Anabella McClerren added a sac fly, and Gia Napoli singled to bring in Weller for a 5-0 lead.
Foster and Eppley both walked again, bringing in another run, and Chumley crushed a towering grand slam to right center to make it 10-0. English then followed with a solo shot to center, capping the inning with back-to-back home runs and an 11-0 lead.
UCF responded with six runs in the top of the third, but the Hatters extended their lead to 13-6 in the fourth thanks to a two-run homer by Napoli. The Knights chipped away with two more in the fifth, and after a scoreless sixth inning on both sides, Stetson entered the seventh holding a 13-8 advantage.
Hayley Arnold came out for her third inning of relief, but after allowing an early run, UCF rallied with two outs to score five more, seizing a 14-13 lead. The Hatters couldn't mount a comeback in the bottom half, falling just short in a high-scoring heartbreaker.
Chumley led the way at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run, four RBIs, and two walks. English delivered a strong performance as well, finishing 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and two RBIs. Napoli added a 2-for-4 day with a homer and three RBIs.
The Hatters will now shift their focus to a weekend ASUN series against Jacksonville, beginning Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m.
