DeLand, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2015) --- Stetson scored five goals in the first nine minutes and never looked back in a 16-3 win over Delaware State in the Hornets' 2015 women's lacrosse opener this evening.  

The Hatters (1-1) led 9-0 at the break and were ahead 11-0 before the Hornets got on the board in the second period.

Stetson's Rachel Valocchi and Samantha Akl scored three goals each, while Hallie Merz tallied two goals and three assists to lead the way. Valocchi also had two assists to tie Merz with a game-high five points.

The Hornets scored their first goal of the season when Emily Etkins (so.;  Havre de Grace, Md.) found the net on a free position shot with 21:08 left in the second period. Etkins, the school record holder, now has 21 career goals.

Delaware State's second score also came on a free position shot by Nicole McCombs (so.; Magnolia, Del.) for her first career goal to cut Stetson's lead to 15-2 at the 9:17 mark of the second period.

The Hornets scored for the final time when Tai Galmore (so.; Aberdeen, Md.) recorded her third career goal off a feed from Megan Card (so.; Magnolia, Del.) with 7:57 left to play.    

Stetson outshot the Hornets 30-12.

Delaware State will continue its three-game season opening road swing this Friday (Feb. 20) at Mercer in Macon, Ga. The game gets underway at 4 p.m.

The Hornets wrap up the trip with a visit to Kennesaw State (Ga.) on Sunday at 1 pm.

DSU will play its home opener on Feb. 28 against Wilmington (Del.) University. The match gets underway at 11 a.m. at Alumni Stadium.