DeLand, Fla. — The Stetson University softball team moved to 3–1 on the weekend with a split on Saturday at the Frank Griffin Classic, opening the day with a dominant 6–0 shutout of Indiana State before falling 7–4 to UT Martin in eight innings at Patricia Wilson Field.
Game 1: Stetson 6, Indiana State 0
Stetson turned in its most complete performance of the season against Indiana State, earning its first shutout behind strong pitching and defense. The Hatters' staff limited the Sycamores to six hits while striking out six, as Stetson backed the effort with timely power at the plate.
The Hatters jumped out to an early lead in the first inning when
Annabella McClerren drew a leadoff walk and later scored on
Irianis Garcia's two-run home run to right-center, her second of the season. Stetson added to the advantage in the third inning, once again starting with a McClerren walk. After advancing to second, she came home on
Nicole Edmiaston's two-run homer to extend the lead to 4–0.
Stetson continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning, loading the bases and adding two more runs on a hit-by-pitch and a sacrifice fly to cap the scoring at 6–0. The two home runs marked Stetson's fifth of the season in just three games — matching a total that took the Hatters the entire month of February to reach last season.
In the circle,
Ava Braswell earned the start, tossing four scoreless innings while allowing four hits and striking out three.
Kennedy Temples secured the shutout in relief, pitching the final three innings and surrendering just two hits while striking out three to earn the save.
Garcia finished with a home run and two RBIs, while Edmiaston added a homer and three RBIs to pace the offense.
With the six runs against Indiana State, Stetson tied the program record for most runs scored through the first three games of a season, totaling 30 runs — a mark previously set in 2005.
Game 2: UT Martin 7, Stetson 4 (8 innings)
Stetson carried momentum into the nightcap, building a 3–0 lead through the first two innings. After reaching on a fielding error, McClerren came around to score following Garcia's walk and
Logan Forman's single that loaded the bases.
Gaby Bauer delivered a two-RBI single to put the Hatters in front early. Stetson added another run in the second inning on RBI singles from McClerren and Garcia.
UT Martin mounted a comeback in the fifth inning, scoring four runs on five hits to take a 4–3 lead. Stetson answered in the seventh to force extra innings, as McClerren walked and advanced on Garcia's double before Edmiaston lifted a sacrifice fly to center to tie the game at 4–4.
The Skyhawks regained the lead in the eighth inning with three runs, ultimately securing the 7–4 decision. Stetson's pitching staff battled through the extended outing, with
Jenna Johnston working four innings before Braswell and Temples combined in relief.
Garcia led the Hatters in the second game with two hits and an RBI. Forman and Bauer also recorded two hits apiece, with Bauer driving in two runs. McClerren scored twice and reached base twice on the day.
Stetson returns to action on Thursday, Feb. 12, when it hosts North Dakota State at Patricia Wilson Field. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. ET.
Article partially generated with FanWord.
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.
