DELAND, Fla. -- The Fairfield University softball team returned from Florida with a five-game sweep of the Stetson Invitational, completing the run with today's 3-1 win over Bethune-Cookman. The Stags improved their overall record to 8-3 as they return home to start the northern part of their schedule with a March 13 game at Yale University on Wednesday. 

Bethune-Cookman manufactured the team's only run of the game in the third inning when Jacki Smith led off with a single. She advanced to second base by with a steal and took third base following a passed ball. Brianna Paysinger brought the run home when she put down a bunt that allowed Smith to cross the plate. 

Fairfield scored all three of its runs in the sixth inning, a rally that started when Mikayla Rubin  singled to right field. She moved into scoring position when Sam Merino was hit by a pitch to put runners at first and second. Tahlia Brown laid down a bunt to advance both runners one base with one out. Hannah Futo brought home the first run with a base hit to left field. Cynthia Meringer put Fairfield in front with a single to right field that brought home Merino, pushing the score to 2-1. Amanda Ulzheimer finished off the scoring with the team's third run-scoring single of the inning, giving a two-run lead to the Stags.

Pitcher Katie Kudlacik earned her team-leading fourth win of the season with a complete game, scattering six hits and striking out one batter in her seven innings of work. She lowered her ERA to 2.81 which also represents a team best. Ulzheimer, Meringer, and Rubin each finished the game with two singles this afternoon.