Orangeburg, S.C. – Stetson (2-1-0, 0-0-0) earned a 2-1 victory over South Carolina State (1-2-0, 0-0-0) on Monday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, led by first collegiate goals from Jess Howard and Reese Huffman.

"The team ultimately found a way, which gives us something to build on and move forward with," said Head Coach Jamie Souza. "It was a game of complete control but lacking a finishing touch when needed. The players reacted well to going behind and found a way to win against a much-improved South Carolina State team."

The first half was a defensive battle, with both teams unable to break through. Cassie Nagy took two shots—one in the 19th minute and another in the 31st—both missing the target. The Hatters earned three corner kicks in the 21st, 27th, and 29th minutes, while Sophia Baldwin's shot in the 35th was saved by Lady Bulldogs goalkeeper Jada Gittings, keeping the halftime score at 0-0.

South Carolina State struck first in the 55th minute, as Karla Gordon found the net off an assist from Shannilea Schliffer. Stetson quickly responded, with Howard equalizing in the 61st minute for her first collegiate goal, assisted by Brooke Voorhees and Bianca Mazzaferro. Huffman sealed the win with her first collegiate goal in the 80th minute, assisted by Payton Quinones and Stella Comana.

Stetson held on to secure the win and now prepares to face Florida International on August 28 in Miami, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.