LYNCHBURG, Va. — Stetson secured a 12–11 overtime victory over Liberty on Thursday at LU Lacrosse Field, marking the program's first-ever win over the Flames. The Hatters have now won back-to-back games in overtime to open conference play at 2-0.
Kathleen Nichols delivered the game-winning goal, finishing a pass from
Lexi Bird after a key defensive stand by Stetson. Goalkeeper
Maddie Eckert caused a turnover and picked up the ground ball to help set up the decisive possession.
Stetson struck first in the opening quarter, as
Charlotte Castiglione found the back of the net off an assist from
Alexa Vega. Eckert anchored the defense early, recording several key saves to preserve the 1–0 lead through the first 15 minutes.
The Hatters built momentum in the second quarter, responding to Liberty's early goal with a strike from
Heidi Cross. Nichols then took over offensively, scoring twice in the final minutes of the half, while
Maya Sellinger added a goal to help Stetson take a 5–3 lead into halftime.
The third quarter featured a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to pull away. Nichols added another goal on a player-up opportunity, while
Luana Engel and Bird each found the net to keep the Hatters in front. Stetson carried a narrow 8–7 lead into the final quarter.
Liberty surged ahead early in the fourth, but the Hatters answered once again. Vega converted a player-up opportunity, and Nichols added her fourth goal of the game to keep Stetson within striking distance. After Liberty regained the lead late,
Ryley Heilmann delivered a clutch free-position goal with 11 seconds remaining to force overtime at 11–11.
In the extra period, Stetson capitalized on its opportunity, with Nichols finishing the game-winner to secure the 12–11 victory.
"I'm so proud of the entire team with another overtime ASUN win against a great Liberty team," said Head Coach
Sue Murphy. "We never gave up, made adjustments and showed tremendous grit to come back and take Liberty into overtime. Kathleen had a day! She has great timing off the ball, and her stick work is outstanding. She works very hard on her shot repertoire. Our attack was patient and deliberate with their shot selection."
Stetson Top Performers
Stetson continues its road trip Saturday, March 28, traveling to face Delaware at noon in Newark, Delaware.
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.
