05/01/2026

DeLAND, Fla. — The Florida Gulf Coast University softball team (19-31, 13-10 ASUN) dropped the Friday doubleheader of its three-game Atlantic Sun Conference series against Stetson University (33-19, 18-5 ASUN) at Patricia Wilson Field. FGCU fell in the opener 7-3 before dropping the nightcap 5-4 in a Hatters’ comeback victory.

With the doubleheader sweep, Stetson clinched the final regular-season conference series.

Despite the losses, senior catcher Sietske Drijvers etched her name into the FGCU record book. The native of Zaltbommel, Netherlands, recorded her 17th runner caught stealing of the season, breaking a program record that had stood for 23 years. Drijvers surpassed Lindsay Ijjas, who threw out 16 runners in 2003, by throwing out Jahnnie Patterson in the fourth inning of the second game.

“I didn’t even know it was going on, but it’s just amazing to be here,” Drijvers told FGCU Athletics. “I worked every day for four years, so hard to get to this point. I’ve had so much support from my teammates, my coaches, for every school that I played for. I’m just grateful to be in this moment right now and to keep on building momentum with the team.”

“Siets(ke) is the definition of what it means to anchor a defense behind the plate,” FGCU head coach Lindsay Fico told FGCU Athletics. “Breaking the program record for runners caught stealing isn’t just about arm strength; it’s about preparation, toughness, and an elite understanding of the game. She’s taken pride in controlling the run game every single day, and this record is a direct reflection of her work ethic and competitive edge. Our team plays with confidence because of her back there.”

In the closing game, Stetson broke a 4-4 tie in the fifth inning with a home run by Logan Forman, securing the sweep for the Hatters.

FGCU took an early 4-0 lead in the closing game on an RBI single by Presley Smith in the first inning, followed by Olivia Black hitting a two-run double in the second that scored Parris Wiggs and Nikki Gibson, and Black scoring on a passed ball later in the frame.

Stetson began its comeback in the third inning with a two-run double by Forman, cutting FGCU’s lead to 4-2. The Hatters followed in the fourth with an RBI single by Nicole Edmiaston, and Gia Napoli scored on a fielding error to draw even.

Hayley Arnold (9-3) earned the win for the Hatters, surrendering two hits while striking out four in five innings of relief. Grace Taylor (9-11) took the loss, giving up three runs on five hits in one inning of relief.

Stetson 7, FGCU 3

Stetson took an early 7-0 lead through the first two innings of the opening game.

The Hatters scored three runs in the first inning with Irianis Garcia hitting a sacrifice fly that scored Annabella McClerren, who reached base with a triple. Forman later hit a bases-loaded two-run double that brought home Nicole Edmiaston, who got on base with a walk, and Amber Chumley, who reached base with a single.

Stetson added to its cushion in the second with a double by Garcia that scored McClerren after she got on base by drawing a walk and advancing to second base on a passed ball. Edmiaston then reached by a walk and Chumley hit a three-run home run, scoring McClerren and Edmiaston.

FGCU cut the deficit to 7-2 in the fifth inning on a two-run single by Mackenzie Leiti that brought home Smith and Drijvers. The Eagles added another run in the seventh on an RBI single by K’Mari Williams but failed in the rally attempt.

Ava Braswell (17-10) secured the victory for Stetson in a complete seven-inning effort. Taylor was charged with the loss, giving up seven runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings.

FGCU looks to avoid the three-game sweep as they return to Patricia Wilson Field for the series-closing game on Saturday at noon.