DELAND, Fla. — Stetson Women's Basketball built a second-half lead and withstood a late push from Lipscomb Thursday morning, edging the Bisons 66-60 at Insight Credit Union Arena on Elementary Day.
The Hatters (11-7, 4-3 ASUN) led by as many as 17 points in the third quarter and received a balanced scoring effort, including 26 points in the paint and 22 points from the bench. Lipscomb (6-12, 3-4 ASUN) was held to 30.5 percent shooting from the field and 27.3 percent from three-point range.
Stetson fell behind 2-0 early before going on a 7-0 run with 8:48 remaining in the first quarter, capped by a basket from Aleah Sorrentino. The period ended in a 14-14 tie, with Rose Caso hitting a three-pointer and Eva Bradshaw converting a fast-break layup off her own steal. Cameron Thomas capped the quarter with a defensive block and rebound in the final seconds.
The Hatters surged in the second quarter, outscoring the Bisons 18-12 to take a six-point halftime lead. Stetson knocked down four three-pointers, including shots from Sorrentino and Sophie Locatelli, and Thomas converted a fast-break layup at the buzzer to extend the lead.
Stetson carried momentum into the third quarter, opening with a 17-0 run. Promise Keshi and Locatelli hit three-pointers, Sorrentino added a layup, and Thomas contributed a block and assist on a Locatelli triple, giving Stetson a 51-41 lead. Sorrentino celebrated a milestone during the quarter, scoring her 1,000th career point against her former squad. Lipscomb narrowed the deficit late in the period, leaving the Hatters ahead 51-41 entering the fourth.
The fourth quarter saw Stetson maintain control despite a late Lipscomb rally. Thomas hit a jumper early, Sorrentino added a key three-pointer with 7:23 remaining, and Mary McMillan made crucial free throws in the final seconds to secure the 66-60 victory.
Stetson will return home to Insight Credit Union Arena on Saturday at 2:00 PM to host the Austin Peay Governors for Alumni Day, welcoming back former Hatters from over the years. Live stats will be available on GoHatters.com, with streaming on ESPN+, and fans can follow along on Stetson Women's Basketball social media.
TOP PERFORMERS
Aleah Sorrentino
• 17 points
• 8 rebounds
• 4 assists
Cameron Thomas
• 9 points
• 12 rebounds
• 2 blocks
Mary McMillan
• 9 points
• 3 assists
Promise Keshi
• 5 points
• 2 steals
• 2 assists
GAME NOTES
• Stetson led by as many as 17 points during the game.
• Aleah Sorrentino scored 14+ points with 8+ rebounds in three straight games, including her 1,000th career point.
• Seven different Hatters, including the entire bench, hit a three-pointer.
• Cameron Thomas finished with 12 rebounds, just one point shy of a double-double.
• Stetson knocked down 10 three-pointers.
• The Hatters recorded 16 total assists.
• Stetson collected 38 total rebounds, including 10 offensive boards.
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.
