DELAND, Fla. – The Eastern Kentucky University women's basketball team dropped a 69-54 decision to Stetson on Saturday afternoon inside the Edmunds Center.
 
With the loss, EKU falls to 22-7 overall and 13-3 in Atlantic Sun Conference play.
 
Senior forward Joseana Vaz led the Colonels for the fifth straight game, scoring 22 points. The Praia, Cape Verde, native shot 6-for-14 from the floor, 4-for-9 from 3-point range and a perfect 6-for-6 at the free throw line. She also recorded a career-high six steals.
 
Sophomore guard Liz Freihofer added 11 points and blocked a career-best four shots.
 
EKU shot 32 percent (17-for-53) from the field but forced 19 steals, the program's highest total since Nov. 27, 2024. The Colonels were dismantled on the glass being outrebounded by 20 boards, 41-21.
 
Stetson (18-9, 11-5 ASUN) was paced by Mary McMillan and Promise Keshi, who each scored 19 points. Cameron Thomas added 16 for the Hatters.
 
The Colonels opened the game on a 6-0 run as Vaz buried back-to-back 3-pointers in the opening minute. Stetson responded with steady play inside and at the free throw line to turn the period into a back-and-forth battle. Freihofer knocked down a late 3-pointer and Woods converted a transition layup in the final 30 seconds, but the Hatters carried a 27-22 lead into the second quarter.
 
Stetson created separation in the second, outscoring EKU 18-10 while capitalizing on turnovers and second-chance opportunities. Lewis connected from beyond the arc, and the Colonels continued to generate steals defensively, but EKU struggled to find an offensive rhythm as the Hatters took a 45-32 advantage into halftime.
 
EKU answered with its strongest stretch in the third quarter, outscoring Stetson 14-9. Vaz attacked the rim early and converted at the line, while Woods and Ndukwe finished in transition. Vaz drilled a 3-pointer in the closing seconds to trim the deficit to 54-46 entering the fourth.
 
The Colonels continued to pressure defensively in the final period, but Stetson responded with timely baskets and controlled the pace down the stretch. The Hatters outscored EKU 15-8 in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory at the free throw line.
 
EKU continues its three-game road swing Wednesday at Austin Peay. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. ET.