DELAND, Fla. – Stetson women's soccer opened ASUN play with a 3-1 setback to FGCU on Sunday afternoon at the Athletic Training Center but showed renewed energy in the second half, highlighted by
Avery Wise's first goal of the season.
"Overall, I'm pleased with the performance. The team showed great character to fight back. We have to start quicker and be more alert from the go. The team took constructive criticism and tactical tweaks on very well and put them into play. I thought post first half water break we were on top and the better team but credit to FGCU. They took their chances and made it a great battle," said Head Coach
Jamie Souza.
The Hatters (3-7-0, 0-1-0) fell behind early when FGCU scored in the second minute and later added two more first-half goals, but Stetson generated chances of its own before the break.
Katharina Marx and
Madison Bell each tested the Eagles' back line, and
Riley Tarvin came up with a key save in the 42nd minute to keep the Hatters within reach.
Stetson opened the second half on the front foot. Just three minutes after the restart, Wise converted off an
Anna Voigt assist — the first of her career — to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Hatters continued to press, with
Bianca Mazzaferro forcing a save in the 61st minute and Bell firing another shot in the 76th, but FGCU's defense held firm even after playing the final 18 minutes down a player following a red card.
Stetson now turns its attention to West Georgia, traveling to Carrollton, Ga., on Thursday, Sept. 25, for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
