Stetson defeated Flagler 75-52 in women’s basketball Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at the Edmunds Center in DeLand, Florida. The victory gave Stetson head coach Melissa DeVore her first win in her regular-season debut with the program. Stetson opened the 2026-27 season 1-0, while Flagler was listed at 0-0.
Stetson led 19-12 after the first quarter before Flagler trimmed the margin during the second period. The Hatters took a 33-30 advantage into halftime and extended the lead to 54-41 after three quarters. Stetson then outscored Flagler 21-11 in the fourth quarter to complete the 23-point victory.
Defense fuels Stetson’s separation
Stetson’s defensive pressure created the game’s clearest statistical edge. The Hatters forced 25 turnovers, recorded 15 steals and held a 29-9 advantage in points off turnovers. Stetson also held Flagler to 22 second-half points after allowing 30 in the opening half.
Flagler remained within striking distance for much of the fourth quarter, but Stetson maintained control through its defensive intensity and timely scoring. Flagler scored its final basket with 2:31 remaining. Stetson closed the game on a 10-0 run to finish the season opener decisively.
Three Hatters lead the scoring
Candela Garcia-Escribano led Stetson with 21 points, while Sophie Locatelli added 16. Desireck Nieves scored 18 points in her collegiate debut and made four 3-pointers. The three players combined for 55 of Stetson’s 75 points.
Nieves connected on four 3-pointers during Stetson’s third-quarter surge, helping the Hatters create separation after halftime. Locatelli made consecutive 3-pointers during the closing run, including one after her own steal. Garcia-Escribano added two fastbreak layups as Stetson sealed the victory.
Stetson visits Louisville next
Stetson is scheduled to visit Louisville on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The game will be Stetson’s first road contest after the Hatters opened the season at home.
FSB Take
Stetson’s opening victory established a clear connection between its defensive pressure and offensive production. The Hatters turned 25 Flagler turnovers into a 29-9 advantage in points off turnovers while three players supplied 55 points. That combination will be the central factor to monitor when Stetson takes its 1-0 start to Louisville.
Source: Original report