DELAND, Fla. - The Stetson University Softball team secured two victories opening the Frank Griffin Classic Tournament for the 2023 season on Saturday night at Patricia Wilson Field.

Providence began the first game with a home run in the third inning, leaving the Hatters with some work to do. Shortly after in the 4th, Stetson responded when senior Marissa Baxter flied out to right field, a sacrifice fly that led sophomore Kami Eppley to score for the Hatters, tying the game at one a piece. Stetson came up big when junior Juls Schumacher singled to left field, advancing junior Evette Morgan to second and senior Brianna Clary to score. Junior Brianna Robinson singled up the middle, but was put out trying to get to second base on the play; however, Morgan was able to score for the Hatters, giving them a 3-1 lead. Providence answered when Aldrich scored for the Friars, tying the game at three in the top of the 7th. After the Hatter offense generated runners at the corners, Clary knocked what became a walk-off single to left field, advancing Eppley to third and sending sophomore Haley Fox home, winning the game for Stetson 4-3.

Stetson's second game of the day against Dayton was a sight to see. In the 5th, Dayton's Pallardy singled to right field, and Walter brought home the score, giving the Flyers a late 1-0 lead over the Hatters. The bottom of the seventh was Stetson's final chance at redemption. Two outs were recorded, and freshman Annabella McClerren made her debut for the Hatters. Her at bat blasted the roaring crowed when she walked after working to a full count picking up the fourth ball, advancing to first. With two outs inputted and McClerren at first, sophomore Haley Fox had the obligation to save the day. She reached on a fielder's choice, advancing McClerren to second then third on a throwing error by Dayton's shortstop. With the potential tying run on third base, Fox stole second as Dayton's catcher, Nicolet Papavasiliou, opted to not attempt the throw to second. Kami Eppley got solid contact on her swing, sending the ball screaming over Izzy Kemp, but the pitcher got a glove on the line drive. Fox scored easily from third with McClerren being awarded home plate after the umpires deemed that the pinch-hitter base running was interfered with by the Dayton shortstop resulting in Eppley recording the second walkoff in as many games, giving the Hatters the 2-1 victory over the Flyers.

Stetson will look to continue their success and close out the Frank Griffin Classic when they play Dayton again Sunday, February 12 at Patricia Wilson Field.