The Stetson Hatters are off to a strong start in 2023. Currently, they carry a 15-8 record with two top-25 wins over (at the time) No. 23 UCF and No. 16 Georgia. Of the eight losses, four of them were by one run. Head coach Shellie Robinson-Cousins has to be happy with the start after a 21-35 record in 2022. Her squad is on pace to improve considerably upon that in 2023.
One of the biggest reasons the Hatters are off to a strong start is their pitching. Lauren Hobbs (7-1) and Hannah Marien (5-2) have solid in the circle. Hobbs, who was named the ASUN Pitcher of the Week, is coming off a 3-0 week, including a 2-1 win over No. 16 Georgia. She held the Bulldogs to just four hits while striking out six and walking just one. On the season, she has posted 45 strikeouts and has held the opposition to a .198 BA over 66 innings. Marien has also been effective with 49 strikeouts and an opponent BA of just .176 over 43.2 innings of work. Not to be left out, freshman Caitlyn Kulczyski (3-1) has shown why there are high hopes for her future.
Sophomore Kami Eppley has been solid at the plate with a .423 average. Senior Marissa has four home runs and leads the team with 12 RBI. At the same time, senior Brianna Clary has consistently hit at a .369 clip and 11 RBI thus far. If there is an area the Hatters could improve, it would be consistency at the plate. As a team, they are batting .258. The pitching staff looks like they will give them a strong shot in every game; if they can figure out a way to generate more scoring, they could have an excellent season in 2023. They still have games against both Florida and Florida State this season. They are coming up on conference play, and based on how they have played to this point, they have a good shot a making some noise.
