DELAND, Fla. — Stetson responded in a big way on Sunday afternoon, riding a four-run first inning and a relentless offensive approach to a 10-6 win over West Georgia, securing its first ASUN series victory of the season at Melching Field.

The Hatters (11-14, 3-3 ASUN) totaled 13 hits and saw production up and down the lineup, with all nine starters reaching base in a complete offensive performance that set the tone early and never let up.

After West Georgia pushed across a run in the top of the first, Stetson wasted no time answering. Juan De la Cruz ignited the inning by reaching base and advancing into scoring position before Jack Harley kept the pressure on with a single. Foster Apple brought home the tying run with a sacrifice fly, and moments later, Landon Russell delivered the decisive blow—a towering three-run home run to straightaway center field that flipped the momentum and gave the Hatters a 4-1 lead.

West Georgia battled back to even the score at 4-4, but once again, Stetson had a response ready. In the third inning, Yohann Dessureault reached and worked his way around the bases before crossing the plate to reclaim the lead. With traffic on the bases, Jayden Hylton came through with a clutch two-RBI single, restoring a three-run cushion and putting the Hatters back in control at 7-4.

From there, Stetson continued to apply pressure offensively while the bullpen worked to maintain the advantage. In the sixth inning, Nelphie Lopez delivered in a key moment, lining a single into center field to bring home two more runs and extend the lead to 9-5. Lopez added an insurance run in the eighth with another RBI knock, capping a strong day at the plate.

On the mound, Stetson pieced together a steady effort out of the bullpen to secure the win. Lathan Haywood (1-0) earned the victory with two innings of relief, working through traffic and limiting damage. Andrew Lepine turned in one of his strongest outings of the season, striking out five over three innings to stabilize the middle frames, while Thomas Achey provided two scoreless innings down the stretch to help close the door.

West Georgia added a run in the ninth, but the Hatters never wavered, finishing off the 10-6 win to take the series.

Key Performers

• Landon Russell: 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
• Nelphie Lopez: 2-for-3, BB, 3 RBI
• Yohann Dessureault: 2-for-4, 2B, BB, 3 runs scored
• Jayden Hylton: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
• Andrew Lepine: 3.0 IP, 5 K
• Lathan Haywood: 2.0 IP, 1 ER, win

Game Notes

• Stetson improves to 11-14 overall and 3-3 in ASUN play
• Hatters secured their first conference series win of the season
• All nine starters reached base safely
• Stetson recorded 13 hits and six walks offensively
• Four Hatters recorded multi-hit games
• Stetson went 6-for-19 (.316) with runners in scoring position
• Pitching staff limited West Georgia to 3-for-19 (.158) with RISP
• The Hatters scored four runs in the first inning and never trailed again

Up Next
Stetson returns to Melching Field on Tuesday night to host UCF at 6:30 p.m. for Superhero Night. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, and fans can follow along with live stats and updates on GoHatters.com and Stetson Athletics social media channels.

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.