DeLand, Fla. – Stetson softball returns home to host North Dakota State and Maine for the Hatter Classic, running from Thursday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 15 in DeLand.
The Hatters opened the 2026 season with a 3–1 record at the Frank Griffin Classic, marking a strong start to the year. Stetson earned two run-rule victories to open the season, a program first, and scored 30 runs in its first three games, tying the most runs to begin a season in program history.
Nicole Edmiaston made an immediate impact in her first weekend wearing green and white, collecting six hits—including two home runs and two doubles—while driving in 10 runs. She finished the weekend with a .500 batting average, .533 on-base percentage, 1.167 slugging percentage, and a 1.700 OPS. Logan Forman, Gaby Bauer, and Annabella McClerren each tallied five hits and combined for nine RBIs. Irianis Garcia added two home runs, while Mason Barclay delivered a grand slam. As a team, Stetson is hitting .379 with a .460 on-base percentage, totaling 39 hits, 16 walks, and 34 RBIs through the opening weekend.
In the circle, Ava Braswell picked up two wins across three appearances, including a complete game. She threw 12 innings, allowing four runs on 11 hits and three walks while striking out eight. Braswell concluded the weekend with a 2.33 ERA and a .239 opponent batting average.
North Dakota State opened its season at the River City Leadoff in Jacksonville, finishing 3–2. The Bison split games with Colgate and North Florida and earned a victory over Jacksonville. Bella Dean led the offense with nine hits, including two doubles and four home runs, driving in nine runs. She posted a .500 batting average, .526 on-base percentage, and a 1.278 slugging percentage. Star Cortez added six hits, while Lileigh Nieto and Amai Hanta contributed five apiece. In the circle, Jocelyn McClary is 1–0 after tossing 14.2 scoreless innings with 14 strikeouts. As a team, the Bison are batting .254 with a .350 on-base percentage, 36 hits, 13 walks, and 15 RBIs.
Maine heads south after opening the season with a 1–4 mark at the Heart of Georgia Classic. The Black Bears split games with North Carolina A&T and fell to Mercer and Evansville. Keira Inman leads Maine offensively, recording two hits—both solo home runs—while drawing four walks. She owns a .333 batting average, .600 on-base percentage, 1.333 slugging percentage, and a 1.933 OPS. Alysen Rieth has made three appearances in the circle, posting a 1–1 record with 14 innings pitched, allowing five earned runs on 15 hits and nine walks while striking out eight. Maine is hitting .230 as a team with a .398 on-base percentage, collecting 29 hits, 33 walks, and 18 RBIs.
This weekend marks the second all-time meeting between Stetson and North Dakota State and the 15th meeting with Maine, with the Hatters holding an 11–3 advantage in the series against the Black Bears.
Fans can watch and listen to the game on GoHatters.com with live stats also available at GoHatters.com. Follow Stetson Athletics on social media for updates throughout the season.
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.
