Carrollton, Ga. – Stetson women's soccer generated consistent pressure on Thursday night but fell 3-1 to West Georgia at University Field. The Hatters fired 19 shots, including 10 on target, but were denied repeatedly by Wolves goalkeeper Emily Sanabria.
Stetson opened the first half with energy, creating early looks from
Avery Wise and
Lily Sargent-Burns that forced saves from Sanabria.
Mackenzie Caprez, making her first career start in goal, kept the Hatters within striking distance with two stops of her own, but West Georgia capitalized on its chances to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
The Hatters continued to push after the break, maintaining possession and looking for a way back into the match. While West Georgia added a third goal in the 59th minute, Stetson's persistence paid off late as
Kelly Gende converted in the 84th minute for her first goal of the season to cut the deficit to 3-1. Stetson pressed forward with several more shots in the closing minutes but couldn't find another breakthrough.
Gende's goal came on her lone attempt of the night, while Sargent-Burns paced the Hatters' attack with three shots on goal.
Stella Comana added two shots (one on frame) to keep the Wolves under pressure. Caprez finished with three saves on eight shots faced in her debut start.
Stetson will wrap up its two-match road swing on Sunday in Charlotte, N.C., taking on Queens at 1 p.m.
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.
