JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Stetson University (35-21) captured its sixth ASUN Championship with a 4–0 victory over Central Arkansas (36-20-1) on Saturday at the UNF Softball Complex. Behind a dominant complete-game shutout from
Hayley Arnold and timely offense, the Hatters claimed their first conference tournament title since 2014 and punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament.
Arnold was named ASUN Tournament MVP after tossing 11.1 consecutive scoreless innings during the tournament, including Saturday's complete-game shutout. She, along with
Ava Braswell,
Nicole Edmiaston, and
Irianis Garcia, earned spots on the ASUN All-Tournament Team.
After two scoreless innings, the Hatters broke through in the third.
Gia Napoli was hit by a pitch and later scored on an RBI single through the right side by Garcia to give Stetson a 1–0 lead.
Stetson added to its advantage in the fourth inning when
Logan Forman doubled to left field before
Mason Barclay launched a two-run home run to right field — the Hatters' first home run of the tournament — extending the lead to 3–0.
The Hatters continued to apply pressure in the fifth inning.
Nicole Edmiaston drew a leadoff walk and was replaced by pinch runner
Jahnnie Patterson, who later scored on a throwing error to make it 4–0.
Arnold and the Stetson defense took care of the rest. The sophomore right-hander scattered just three hits across seven shutout innings while striking out five and walking two. Stetson also turned a key double play in the seventh inning to shut down any late threat from Central Arkansas.
Arnold earned her 10th win of the season after throwing 89 pitches, including 59 strikes, in the complete-game effort.
Stetson Top Performers
Head Coach
Shellie Cousins expressed a mix of nerves and excitement as the Hatters clinched their first championship in 12 years, remarking, "I think I probably could have run a marathon before the game. I was nervous, I was anxious, but not because I didn't believe in us, just because we've waited so long for this moment." Reflecting on the performance of key players, Cousins praised pitcher
Hayley Arnold, saying, "She is a competitor. She has that mindset where you cannot beat me...Hayley just bared down today." The decision to start
Mason Barclay as designated player proved significant, with Cousins noting it was "a gut decision...and it paid off well for us" as Barclay hit a pivotal two-run home run. With the victory, Cousins felt immense pride in the team, stating, "It feels dang good. I'm very proud of them. This is a special group, and I didn't want this season to end."
Reflecting on the Hatters' championship victory,
Hayley Arnold spoke about the significance of the moment and the team's determination throughout the season. "It means so much to me. I mean, I've worked my whole life for this and just I've worked with my teammates for this," she shared, emphasizing the collective effort. Arnold highlighted the team's mindset, stating, "Winning, it's a choice, and we're going to choose to win because there's nothing else to do." As she looked ahead, her ambition was clear: "Oh my gosh, it feels amazing. I want to upset so bad. It's all I want to do."
The Hatters will now tune into the NCAA Selection at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10 to find out their Regional location and opponents.
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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.
