Fire Stifle Gyrenes

LAKELAND, Fla. - The Streak Continues!

This afternoon inside the Furnace, the Fire possessed an intensity at tip off that set the tone for the remainder of the game against the Ave Maria University Gyrenes.  Throughout the contest's entirety, the Fire dominated in all facets and, when the final horn sounded, Southeastern was crowned victors by a score of 88-49, improving to 14-0 on the season.  

First half play was nothing short of dominant for Southeastern.  The Fire led at halftime 51-19, greatly attributed to the play down low on the blocks.  Southeastern's Christin Strawbridge led all scorers in the first half with 13 points, shooting 86 percent from the floor and only missing one shot. The 2016 Polk County Female Athlete of the Year finished the game with 18 points and eight rebounds.   

In addition, Fire senior guard Bailey Hooker collected her fair share of points in the first half.  The Lutz, Florida native scored 12 points and finished the game with a career high 24 points. Hooker shot 62 percent from the floor and 50 percent from downtown.    

Behind every offensive threat is an invaluable point guard who can facilitate the basketball, and  Alyssa Ramos did just that this afternoon. Ramos finished the game with a double-double, tallying ten assists and ten points.

Although today's contest was one sided in favor of the Fire, Gyrenes' own Lauren Gillingham and Sarah Miller each demonstrated solid performances, contributing 16 and 14 points respectively.  The Fire understood before the start of this afternoon's game that the Gyrenes were a good offensive rebounding team.  For this reason, nullifying the Gyrenes' rebounding efforts is exactly what the Fire accomplished today, out rebounding their foe 41-33.  

Thus far this season, the Fire have shown up to every game at all arenas with a ferocity and have performed at a level unable to be topped by any opponent.  The Fire will be back for Sun Conference action this Thursday, January 12th, at 7:00 pm when they take on St. Thomas University, in a game that will sure to excite.