FORT MYERS, Fla. – FGCU will host Atlantic Sun Conference rival Stetson in a three-game conference series this weekend, beginning with a 6:30 p.m. first pitch on Friday evening at Swanson Stadium.

Saturday's game is Military Appreciation Game and on Sunday, kids 12-and-under can run the bases after the game.

While results cannot be predicted, all signs point to this weekend's series being one to watch. The Eagles (17-8, 3-3 ASUN) and the Hatters (12-14, 3-3) have always battled in close games and series since the rivalry began in 2008. FGCU currently leads the series, 36-30, and has a 16-12 advantage over Stetson at home. However, neither team has recorded a weekend series sweep since 2019 and the two teams have split the last 10 meetings, 5-5.

One of those five wins for FGCU includes a shortened 6-5, six-inning final from the weather-shortened 2025 ASUN Championship hosted by Stetson. With both teams having incurred one loss, both were declared co-tournament champions but Stetson, holding the higher seed, was awarded the conference's automatic bid while FGCU's season came to a brutally heartbreaking and abrupt end.

While Stetson has gotten off to a slow start, they have begun to find their stride heading into Fort Myers this weekend. The Hatters have won two straight, including an 8-4 decision against UCF on Tuesday.

Much like South Florida, FGCU's most recent opponent, Stetson brings a team ready to run. The Hatters rank 43^rd nationally and lead the ASUN with 49 stolen bases this season – the same amount USF had before visiting Fort Myers on Tuesday. However, the Bulls were limited to just one swipe in that contest and were subject to two double plays turned by the Eagles. Be on the lookout for Juan De La Cruz on the basepaths, as ranks 23^rd nationally and is second in the ASUN with 16 stolen bases this year.

Also be on the lookout for fireworks when the Eagles step to the plate. FGCU ranks third nationally in hits (304), fourth in batting average (.344) and eighth in doubles (60), leading the ASUN in all three categories. Javier Gorostola (45) and Jon Embury (44) rank first and second, respectively, in the nation in hits.

This weekend's series caps a four-game homestand for the Eagles. Afterwards, FGCU heads on a road trip with trips to Miami (Mar. 31), West Georgia (Apr. 2-4) and USF (Apr. 7) before returning home to host Jacksonville in a three-game series beginning Apr. 10.
 
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