DeLand, Fla. — Stetson fell to Mercer, 22-7, on Wednesday afternoon at the Athletic Training Center.

The Hatters came out with energy and controlled the early momentum. Heidi Cross opened the scoring at the 13:36 mark off an assist from Alexa Vega, and Lexi Bird followed with back-to-back goals — including a free-position strike — to give Stetson a 3-0 advantage midway through the first quarter. Mercer answered late in the period, but the Hatters held a 3-2 lead after one.

Anya Lucia Phillips added a second-quarter goal as Stetson continued to fight for possession in the midfield. Maddie Eckert came up with key saves in goal to keep the Hatters within striking distance, but Mercer used a scoring run late in the half to shift the margin heading into the break.

Stetson continued to compete in the third quarter. Kathleen Nichols converted a free-position opportunity at 7:58, and Mack Meilstrup added a goal in the final 32 seconds of the frame. Harper Hodgett provided a spark in relief with multiple saves as the defense worked to slow Mercer's attack.

In the fourth quarter, Bird netted her third goal of the afternoon — another free-position finish — to record her first hat trick of the season. The Hatters continued battling in the draw circle and on clears, but Mercer capitalized on its opportunities down the stretch to secure the 22-7 final result.

Stetson Top Performers

·       Lexi Bird – 3 goals (first hat trick of the season), 2 free-position goals

·       Heidi Cross – 1 goal

·       Anya Lucia Phillips – 1 goal

·       Kathleen Nichols – 1 goal (free-position)

·       Mack Meilstrup – 1 goal

·       Maddie Eckert – 4 saves

Stetson returns to action Sunday, March 8, traveling to face Charlotte at 2 p.m. in North Carolina.