DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson opened conference play in dramatic fashion, earning a 12-11 overtime victory over Coastal Carolina on Saturday at the Athletic Training Center.
Claire Oldford delivered the game-winning goal in overtime, while
Maddie Eckert anchored the effort with a career-high 18 saves.
The win marked a historic milestone for the program, as the Hatters defeated the Chanticleers for the first time in program history. It also marked Stetson's third overtime victory and its first conference-opening win since 2014.
Stetson came out strong in the opening quarter, building an early 4-2 lead.
Kathleen Nichols opened the scoring, followed by a goal from
Lexi Bird. After Coastal Carolina briefly answered,
Heidi Cross and
Ryley Heilmann each found the net — including a free-position goal from Heilmann — to give the Hatters control after one.
The Hatters extended their lead in the second quarter with a dominant stretch on both ends of the field. Nichols added her second goal off an assist from
Claire Oldford, sparking a run that also included goals from
Maya Sellinger,
Alexa Vega and Heilmann. Oldford capped the half with a free-position goal — her first career score — as Stetson carried a commanding 9-3 lead into the break.
Coastal Carolina chipped away in the third quarter, but the Hatters continued to respond. Bird delivered a key goal late in the period, and Stetson maintained a 10-8 advantage heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth, Stetson leaned on its defense early, with Eckert making several crucial saves to preserve the lead.
Charlotte Castiglione extended the advantage with a goal off an assist from Bird, but Coastal Carolina rallied late, scoring three goals in the closing minutes to even the game at 11-11 and force overtime.
In the extra period, Stetson capitalized on a player-up opportunity. After a key forced turnover and clear, Castiglione found Oldford, who delivered the game-winning goal at the 3:26 mark to seal the 12-11 victory.
"What a great team win," said Head Coach
Sue Murphy. "The hard schedule against high ranked teams has paid dividends with the pace of game we played today. We showed discipline and composure under pressure. We are very proud of making Stetson history today."
Stetson Top Performers
Stetson returns to action Thursday, March 26, traveling to face Liberty at 4 p.m. in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Article partially generated by 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.
