JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Stetson University (35-20) advanced to the ASUN Championship game with an 8–2 victory over Central Arkansas (35-19-1) on Friday at the UNF Softball Complex. The Hatters jumped out to an early lead with four runs in the first inning and never looked back, finishing with 12 hits, including four doubles.
Irianis Garcia continued her standout season, tying the program's single-season record for runs scored while also moving into fourth place in program history for doubles in a season.
Nicole Edmiaston also added to her historic year, tying for sixth in single-season hits in program history.
Stetson wasted no time offensively in the opening inning. Edmiaston drew a leadoff walk before
Annabella McClerren doubled to put two runners in scoring position. Garcia followed with a two-run double to give the Hatters an early 2–0 lead.
Amber Chumley later drove in Garcia with a single through the right side, and
Logan Forman doubled before Chumley scored on a wild pitch to cap a four-run first inning.
The Hatters added to the lead in the second inning.
Gia Napoli reached base before Edmiaston singled to make it 5–0. Edmiaston later came around to score in the inning as Stetson extended its advantage to 6–0.
Central Arkansas answered with two runs in the third inning, but the Hatters settled back in defensively and kept the Bears off the board the rest of the way.
Stetson added two insurance runs in the fifth inning.
Nadia English scored on a passed ball before Edmiaston delivered an RBI single to push the lead to 8–2.
Hayley Arnold pitched two scoreless innings in relief as the Hatters secured their spot in the ASUN Championship game.
Braswell earned her 19th win of the season after allowing two runs on six hits across five innings while striking out six. Arnold was dominant in relief, tossing two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out one.
Stetson Top Performers
"Everything was working on all cylinders," Head Coach
Shellie Cousins said. "The pitching was good, we had really good defense and we swung it well. We don't have to worry about playing tonight. Everybody's going to be fresh in the morning and somebody's going to have to come beat us twice. We just have to be clean on both sides of the ball and know they're gunning for us. We have the momentum and we have to keep the momentum."
The Hatters will have a rematch with Central Arkansas in the ASUN Championship, scheduled for Saturday at 10:30 a.m., with the game time being moved up to due incoming weather, at the UNF Softball Complex in Jacksonville, Florida.
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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.
