ORLANDO, Fla. — Stetson (26-18) dropped a 5–3 decision to No. 20 UCF (33-11-1) on Wednesday night at the UCF Softball Complex. The Hatters outhit the Knights 10–6 and put together a late push but were unable to overcome a three-run fourth inning.
Stetson struck first in the opening frame. Annabella McClerren walked and moved to third on a single from Irianis Garcia before Nicole Edmiaston drew a walk to load the bases. Amber Chumley followed with an RBI single up the middle to give the Hatters a 1–0 lead.
UCF answered in the third to take a 2–1 advantage and added three more runs in the fourth to extend its lead to 5–1.
Stetson flashed the leather in the fifth inning, as Gia Napoli made a tremendous leaping catch to take away extra bases and keep the deficit from growing.
The Hatters continued to apply pressure at the plate and mounted a rally in the seventh. McClerren and Garcia each recorded multi-hit games and reached base to spark the inning. With the bases loaded, Chumley drove in a run on a groundout, and Gabby David added a sacrifice fly to bring Stetson within two. The comeback effort fell short as UCF held on for the 5–3 win.
In the circle, Ava Braswell got the start, allowing two runs over three innings. Kennedy Temples worked in relief, while Hayley Arnold closed the game with two scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out one.
Stetson Top Performers
Stetson returns home to host West Georgia for a weekend series beginning Saturday, Apr. 18, with first pitch set for 1:00 p.m. The Hatters previously swept the Wolves earlier this season in Carrollton.
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.
