03/22/2026

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast University softball team split a high-scoring doubleheader against Atlantic Sun Conference foe Stetson on Saturday, following a 13-4 loss in six innings in the nightcap at the FGCU Softball Complex.

The Eagles (10-19, 4-1 ASUN) took the opener 10-7 behind a career-high five RBIs from KiKi Daniels before the Hatters (19-12, 4-1 ASUN) utilized a double-digit offensive output to trigger the run rule and even the series.

In the opening game, FGCU ignited the home crowd early, powered by a massive seven-run third inning. After Stetson surged to a 4-3 lead in the top of the frame, the Eagles responded immediately. Parris Wiggs sparked the rally with a two-run triple.

FGCU head coach Lindsay Fico praised the senior’s poise in the high-pressure moment.

“I think the way that the top of our order started the day and then for Parris Wiggs to come in, in the clutch when we were down to put us back ahead and hit a ball to the opposite side of the field and score those two runs, it’s huge,” Fico said.

Following the triple, Sophie Wylie added a sacrifice fly and Mackenzie Leiti reached on a fielder’s choice that brought home Nikki Gibson and Ally Thompson.

Daniels capped the dominant performance with a two-run double off the wall, finishing 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in the first inning.

“I thought the reason why we did well offensively today is our situational hitting was really, really well,” Fico said. “We left minimal people on base and the bottom of our order was as productive as the top of our order and the top of our order set a tone.”

Julia Bacoulis (4-8) earned the win in relief, surrendering two earned runs on three hits while striking out three in three innings. Ava Braswell (10-6) took the loss, giving up five runs on three hits in two innings.

Stetson 13, FGCU 4 (6 Innings)

The momentum shifted early in the nightcap as Stetson’s bats found their rhythm. The Hatters raced out to a commanding 8-1 lead through the first five frames. Stetson added five more runs in the sixth on an RBI sacrifice fly by Madison Quinn, while Gia Napoli reached on a throwing error that scored Nadia English. Annabella McClerren added a two-run double before coming home on a wild pitch to extend the lead.

While the Eagles managed a four-run rally in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single by Presley Smith and a two-run single by Gibson, the deficit proved too large. However, Fico saw silver linings in the late-inning efforts of her bench.

“You’ve got K’Mari Williams and Presley Smith that come in late in the game and it’s a game that’s kind of out of reach,” Fico said. “They have two really, really good at-bats that gets the scoring going. Now we’ve got that momentum as we’re going into tomorrow.”

Despite the result, Fico is looking at the tactical advantage of the long afternoon.

“The reality is we’ve seen every pitcher that they’ve got in their bullpen and done a pretty good job of hitting most of them,” Fico said. “I think sticking with our plan because it worked and just trying to produce runs in any possible way that we can.”

Hayley Arnold (2-1) earned the win for the Hatters, giving up one unearned run on one hit while striking out three in 4 1/3 innings. Tegan Gabrielse (0-2) was charged with the loss, giving up eight runs (six earned) on seven hits in four innings.

The Eagles will have an opportunity to take sole possession of first place in the ASUN standings if they can win Sunday’s closing game. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.