DeBARY, Fla. — The Stetson women's golf team continued its dominance at the Babs Steffens Invitational on Tuesday, securing its third consecutive championship with a 10-stroke victory over Appalachian State at DeBary Country Club.
The Hatters closed the tournament with their strongest round of the week, firing a 4-under-par 284 to finish at 296-287-284—867 (+15). After taking the lead Monday, Stetson steadily widened the gap in the final round to claim the title in the 16-team field.
Stetson's depth and consistency were evident throughout the tournament. The Hatters led the field with 37 birdies — six more than the next closest team, Keiser — and recorded 167 pars, the second-most in the field and just four shy of Appalachian State.
Individually, Stetson placed three players inside the top five.
Isaki Sakashita earned runner-up honors at 211 (-2) after rounds of 70-71-70. She capped her performance with a one-under 70 that featured three consecutive birdies on holes 10 through 12, helping Stetson pull away down the stretch. Sakashita tied for second in the field with 12 total birdies and averaged the best score on par 4s among all competitors.
Ailsa Brannock finished third at 217 (+4) with rounds of 71-73-73. Brannock averaged the best score on par 5s in the tournament and added eight birdies across three rounds.
Julieta Oviedo claimed fourth place at 219 (+6). After opening with a 77, she responded with back-to-back rounds of 71 to climb into the top five. Oviedo finished the week with seven birdies.
Filippa Jansson tied for eighth at 223 (+10), rebounding from a first-round 79 with consecutive rounds of 72. Jansson led the Hatters with 38 pars, tied for the second-most in the field. Victoria Leach, Brannock, Sakashita and Oviedo each recorded 34 pars during the tournament.
Anna Huettl rounded out the starting lineup with a tie for 16th at 229 (+16), closing strong with an even-par 71 in the final round.
Five additional Hatters competed as individuals. Freshman Maggie Potash tied for 42nd at 238 (+25) with rounds of 81-85-72. Bridget Butler tied for 45th at 240 (+27) after posting scores of 80-86-74. Elizabeth Eberle finished 60th at 246 (+33) with rounds of 81-80-85. Leach tied for 61st at 247 (+34), improving each round (88-81-78), and Grace Smith placed 87th at 268 (+55) with rounds of 95-91-82.
With three players in the top five, balanced scoring throughout the lineup, and a final-round surge that sealed the outcome, the Hatters once again defended their home event and added another Babs Steffens Invitational trophy to the program's collection.
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.
