DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson fell to No. 7 Florida, 24-8, on Wednesday evening at the Athletic Training Center. The Hatters closed strong, outscoring the Gators 3-1 in the fourth quarter.
Florida opened the game with three early goals before Stetson answered at the 11:19 mark of the first quarter.
Alexa Vega scored her first goal as a Hatter off an assist from
Lexi Bird to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Gators continued to apply pressure throughout the period, building a 9-1 lead despite several key saves from
Maddie Eckert in goal.
Ryley Heilmann jumpstarted the Stetson offense in the second quarter, scoring at 14:21 for her first career goal. Bird added a goal of her own at 12:22 — her third consecutive game finding the back of the net — and Heilmann struck again at 7:28. Florida responded with a scoring run to extend its advantage, but Heilmann completed her first career hat trick later in the quarter. The Gators carried a 16-4 lead into halftime.
Heilmann opened the third quarter by winning the draw, one of a career high eight she tallied in the game, to cap her three-goal performance. Florida maintained control through the remainder of the period, pushing its lead to 23-5 heading into the final quarter. Eckert continued to battle in goal, recording several important stops.
Stetson finished with momentum in the fourth.
Harper Hodgett entered in relief and made an early save to spark the defense. Vega capitalized on a free position shot at 10:10, followed by a goal from
Heidi Cross at 8:00, narrowing the gap.
Kathleen Nichols added another free position goal with less than two minutes remaining. Stetson fell 24-8, but finished with momentum by taking the fourth quarter 3-1.
Stetson Top Performers
Stetson returns to action Saturday, Feb. 28, hosting Boston University at noon in DeLand.
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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.
