DELAND, FL – The Stetson Hatters struck early and held firm the rest of the way, earning a 5-2 win over Austin Peay on Friday night to punch their ticket to Sunday's ASUN Championship final. The victory marks Stetson's third consecutive postseason win over the Governors and their 40th win of the season—hitting the milestone for the second straight year.

Now 40-19 on the season, the Hatters are one win away from going back-to-back as ASUN champions as they return to the title game looking to defend their crown.

Junior Lorenzo Meola opened the scoring with a two-out solo homer to center in the first inning—his 11th of the year. After Austin Peay briefly tied the game in the third, Stetson responded with a three-run frame, highlighted by a two-run single from junior Landon Moran. The Hatters added another run in the fourth to stretch the lead to 5-1.

While the offense did its part, it was Stetson's defense that consistently stole the spotlight—making several highlight-reel plays to shut down potential threats and keep momentum on their side throughout the night.

Sophomore Jake Gorelick (4-0) was masterful in relief, picking up the win out of the bullpen for Stetson (40-19). The right-hander tossed 6.2 innings, allowing just one run on three hits, with no walks and one strikeout. Starter Dylan Jacobs worked the first two innings, and Ty Van Dyke came on in the ninth to lock down his ninth save of the season.

Moran led the way at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs. Meola added his 11th home run of the season as part of a 1-for-4 night, while Juan De La Cruz contributed with a hit, a walk, and an RBI.

The Hatters will now await the outcome of Saturday's games to see who they'll face in Sunday's ASUN Championship final. First pitch is set for 12:00 PM at Melching Field.