LAKELAND, FLA.-- For the first time in program history, the Southeastern women's basketball team finished as The Sun Conference regular season champions. The feat was clinched on Senior Night with a 59-51 win over Keiser University.
The win moves Southeastern to 22-5 overall and 13-3 in conference play. Keiser falls to 14-15 overall and 7-9 in conference.
It was a struggle for both teams offensively, as the Fire shot 36.8% from the field and only 25% from the 3-point line. Keiser didn't do any better; they shot 30% from the field and 23.8% from the arc.
"We didn't shoot very well today but we'd rather shoot poorly and win than shoot well and lose," said interim coach
Leann Dahlstein.
Although the shooting for Southeastern was lacking its usual touch, the Fire found a way to steadily pull away from the Seahawks in the first two periods. The Fire outscored the Seahawks 17-12 and 18-13 through the first two periods as they took a 35-25 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Christin Strawbridge was instrumental in the third period; the forward scored six points and blocked two shots in those 10 minutes. The junior finished with a double-double off the bench; she ended with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Keiser got within six points on two different occasions, the latest being with 5:13 left in the game. The Fire responded by going on a quick 6-0 run to expand their lead to 12 with 1:47 left in the contest. Strawbridge provided the daggers with crucial rebounds and successful free throws.
As Sun Conference champions, the Fire will have a first round bye and will host the semifinal game Friday night. Matchups will be determined this weekend.
"We're really excited to be Sun Conference champs but our main goal is tournament champs," said Dahlstein.
