DELAND, Fla. — Stetson earned its first win of the 2026 season Saturday night, defeating West Florida 2-0 at the Stetson Athletic Training Center.
The Hatters struck once in each half and controlled much of the match, finishing with a 15-6 advantage in shots and an 8-2 edge in shots on goal. Stetson also kept the Argonauts off the scoreboard for the full 90 minutes to secure its first clean sheet of the season.
Afonso Conde opened the scoring with what proved to be the game-winning goal, the 10th of his career. The senior was active throughout the night, leading the Hatters with five shots and putting three on frame.
Matthew Perez added an insurance goal while also contributing an assist, finishing with three shots and two on goal. Zsombor Pall and Junior Essengue each added an assist to help fuel the Stetson attack.
In goal, Murillo Mello turned away both shots he faced to earn the shutout. The freshman played all 90 minutes as Stetson limited West Florida to just two attempts on target.
The victory moved the Hatters to 1-4-1 overall and 1-1-0 in conference play, while West Florida fell to 1-2-0 overall and 1-1-0 in league action.
Stetson returns to action Tuesday, Sept. 15, when the Hatters host Presbyterian at 7 p.m. at the Athletic Training Center in DeLand.
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.
