The University of North Florida Ospreys won their two-day series against the Stetson University Hatters, winning back-to-back on day one.

The series marks North Florida’s second consecutive ASUN series win and first ASUN series win at home. Georgia transfer Hannah Davila was a consistent statistical leader in all three games with a total of three runs and seven hits.

Game One vs. Stetson

On Saturday, the Ospreys had a powerful win over the Hatters in game one.

In the first inning, the Hatters were able to score early, making one run on a fielding error. At the bottom of the first inning, the Ospreys took a dominant lead, setting the tone for game one.

Coming up to bat, Chattanooga State transfer Addie Keef singled to third base on a bunt before stealing second base. Then, Florida Atlantic transfer Bella Cimino doubled to right field, allowing Keef to score.

The Ospreys continued to make strong plays, with Sophomore outfielder Kennedy McQuillan singling through the left side and advancing to second base. The hatters tried and failed to get out Cimino, who reached third base.

Troy transfer Caiden Oliva singled to the pitcher while Cimino scored and McQuillan advanced to third base. As Oliva got out at second base, McQuillan scored a third run for the Ospreys.

Setting up for a play, the Ospreys filled up the bases, with Davila, Redshirt Junior Kalyn McCarthy, and Arizona State transfer Ayden Allen all walking.

Seeing an opportunity, Sophomore outfielder Grace Shaw then hit a home run to center field, scoring four runs at once. The Ospreys closed out the first inning up 1-7.

In the second inning, the Ospreys kept up the momentum defensively and offensively, preventing the Hatters from scoring before McQuillan and Oliva made two more runs of their own.

In the third inning, neither team managed to score, leaving the Ospreys up 1-9.

In the fourth inning, the hatters tried to close the gap, hitting a home run and scoring two points, but the Ospreys weren’t done yet, with Oliva, McCarthy, Davila and Allen each scoring.

The Hatters weren’t able to tie up the game in the fifth inning, ending the match as a 3-13 victory for the Ospreys.

Game Two

Later on Saturday, the Ospreys had their second match against the Hatters.

The Ospreys kept up their defensive momentum from game one in the first inning, getting one batter out at first base and then grounding out two more batters.

At the bottom of the first, the Ospreys kept up their offensive momentum as well, starting with Langford singling up the middle.

Langford went on to steal second base, and the score was Keef singled to third base and advanced to second base on a throwing error. Then, Cimino got to walk.

Keef and Cimino both advanced as McQuillan singled up the middle. Keef then scored while Oliva flied out to the center fielder.

Finally, Davila singled to right field, then advanced all the way to third base on the throw, allowing McQuillan and Cimino to score. The first inning ended with the Ospreys up 0-4. 

The game continued with neither team scoring until the fifth inning. At the bottom of the fifth, the Ospreys wasted no time putting up runs, with Langford hitting a homer to right field.

It didn’t take long for the Ospreys to score another run, with Cimino hitting another homer for the Ospreys. The fifth inning ended with the Ospreys up 0-6.

Like game one, the Hatters made an attempt to even the score, but only managed to score one run at the top of the seventh inning. The game ended as a 1-6 loss for the Hatters.

Game Three

On Sunday, the Ospreys and the Hatters had their final match of the series.

The Ospreys and the Hatter both went without scoring for the first two innings. In the third inning, the Hatters continued to struggle scoring, with the Ospreys striking out two batters and popping a third.

At the bottom of the third inning, the Ospreys finally found their footing, with Allen hitting the fourth Osprey homer of the series. 

The Ospreys continued to make more progress, with Langford doubling down the right field line, advancing to third base as Keef flied out, and reaching home base while Cimino singled up the middle. 

The Ospreys looked like they could make more progress as McQuillan reached first base on a fielder’s choice to shortstop, but the inning ended as Cimino got out at second base.

At the top of the fourth inning, the Hatters began to close the gap, with one batter walking to first base before a second batter hit a home run to left field, bringing the score to 2-2.

However, at the bottom of the fourth inning, the Ospreys fought to reclaim their lead, starting with Davila doubling down the right field line. Immediately after, McCarthy tripled to right field, allowing Davila to score.

Lastly, Allen singled to left field, giving McCarthy the chance to score. In one inning, the Ospreys lost and reclaimed their lead, going into the fifth inning up 2-4.

Both teams refused to give each other an inch, ending the fifth inning with no runs made. At the top of the sixth inning, the Hatters found their opening, with one batter walking to first before another hit a homer, tying up the game again.

The Ospreys weren’t able to reestablish their lead like before, but managed to keep the Hatters from scoring at the top of the seventh inning.

The Hatters matched the Ospreys, however, preventing them from scoring at the bottom of the seventh and sending the game into overtime.

At the top of the eighth inning, the Hatters came to life, hitting two home runs and taking the lead. The Ospreys, unable to tie the game back up, lost the match 6-4.

The Ospreys will remain at home, facing off against the Queens University of Charlotte Royals in their weekend doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch is at 2:00 p.m. at the UNF Softball Complex.

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