DeLand, Fla. – Stetson women's lacrosse returns home Wednesday for its 2026 home opener, welcoming USF to DeLand for a 3:30 p.m. first draw.
The Hatters opened the season in Tallahassee against Florida State.
Charlotte Castiglione,
Lexi Bird,
Emma Arrigo and
Kathleen Nichols each scored in the contest. Stetson recorded 14 total shots with six on goal and converted 13-of-20 clear attempts, including an efficient 11-of-13 through the first three quarters. The Hatters also collected six ground balls, won seven draw controls and caused five turnovers.
In goal,
Maddie Eckert made 12 saves in the start, while
Harper Hodgett added three saves in relief. As a team, Stetson enters Wednesday's matchup with a .286 shooting percentage, a .786 shots-on-goal percentage and a .333 mark on free-position opportunities.
USF comes into the week at 1-1 on the season. The Bulls opened with a 20-5 victory over Niagara before falling to Michigan, 16-10. Sofia Chepenik leads the team with eight goals and one assist on 18 shots. Elise Grissett and Ava Uphues have added seven and six goals, respectively. Kali Cleary has controlled the draw circle with 12 draw controls — more than double any other Bull — while Natalie Eastwood has started both games in goal, recording five saves on 32 shots faced.
As a team, USF is shooting .417 from the field with a .667 shots-on-goal percentage and a .462 free-position percentage.
Stetson and USF will meet for the second time in program history on Wednesday. The two programs first faced off on April 23, 2025.
Fans can watch the game and access live stats 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.
