DELAND, Fla. - Freshman Hannah Marien, already off to a strong start to her Hatter softball career, treated fans to a masterful pitching performance during Wednesday's matinee between the Stetson Hatters and Holy Cross Crusaders at Patricia Wilson Field. The righty was dominant on the day, allowing a single unearned run on just six hits. She did not issue a walk and struck out a career-high 12 batters.

Despite the early start, the Stetson (15-8) offense was ready to go from the start, getting singles from shortstop Kami Eppley, second baseman Evette Morgan, and third baseman Marissa Baxter to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.

After Marien cruised through the first four innings, Holy Cross(4-10) threatened in the top of the fifth inning, as a fielding error allowed the leadoff batter to reach. After a sacrifice moved the runner into scoring position, Marien helped herself, snatching a hard hit ball back up the middle and firing to third base to cut the runner down. A strikeout, her 10th of the day, ended the threat entirely.

The Hatters wasted no time in punishing the Crusaders for the missed opportunity, plating three runs in the bottom of the inning. Just like in the first, Stetson used back-to-back-to-back singles, these from left fielder Alyssa Gilman, left field Brianna Clary, and designated player Haley Fox to push a run across. After a wild pitch moved Clary and Fox to second and third base, an RBI groundout from Eppley and an infield single from Morgan pushed the Stetson lead to 4-0.

After the Crusaders picked up an unearned run in the top of the sixth, the Hatters would respond with a pair in the bottom of the frame. A three-base error off the bat of pinch hitter Juls Schumacher allowed fellow pinch hitter Briana Robinson to score, before an RBI groundout from Gilman drove in Schumacher to make it 6-1 in favor of Stetson.

The Crusaders would threaten once again in the top of the seventh, loading the bases with two outs, but Marien closed things out in style with her 12th strikeout.

"I think that Hannah threw a great, great game," said Stetson head coach Shellie Robinson Cousins following the game. "I think the defense has to be a bit cleaner, and we've got to make routine plays to stay in ball games, but thankfully the offense did their job today and gave us some run support. Overall, a win is a win. We'll take it as we head on the road this weekend."

Stetson hits the road this weekend, traveling to Spartanburg, South Carolina for a three game series at USC-Upstate. Games are set for 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Friday evening and 1:00 PM on Saturday afternoon. The Hatters will then return to Patricia Wilson Field to open ASUN play by hosting Queens on Saturday, March 18th (1:00 PM, 3:30 PM) and Sunday, March 19th (1:00 PM).

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS (PDF).