LAKELAND, Fla. -- SEU Volleyball opens the second half of its Sun Conference schedule on Friday afternoon, traveling to Miami Gardens for a 2 p.m. matchup against Florida Memorial University. The Fire enter the contest on a high note after a statement five-set win over No. 12 St. Thomas last weekend that snapped the Bobcats' 34-match conference winning streak. With that result, SEU carries strong momentum into the road trip as they aim to start the back half of league play the same way they began the first—when they swept the Lions in straight sets in Lakeland to open conference action.
How to Follow the Fire
Fans can catch all the action live as the Fire hit the road to Miami Gardens. The match will stream on the Urban Edge Network (UEN) app—available on most smart TVs and mobile devices—or online at
fire.seu.edu/watchUEN. Live statistics will also be provided throughout the match and can be accessed at
fire.seu.edu/sidearmstats/wvball/summary.
Fueling the Fire
Southeastern enters the weekend in strong form with a 15-2 overall record and 6-1 mark in Sun Conference play, riding a six-match winning streak into the start of the season's second half. The Fire have been dominant at home with a perfect 7-0 record, and their balance has carried over on the road, where they've gone 3-1 away from Lakeland. Friday's matchup marks an important opportunity for SEU to maintain momentum as they begin the push toward the postseason.
Statistically, the Fire remain one of the Sun's most balanced teams—first in kills per set (13.38), second in assists (12.64) and service aces (1.98), and second in digs (18.74). Their efficiency and defensive toughness continue to define a group that plays clean, composed, and relentless volleyball.
Furnace Fortress
Few programs in the Sun Conference have been as dominant on their home floor as Southeastern. Since going winless at home in 2020, the Fire have turned The Furnace into a true fortress, posting an outstanding 42-6 home record over the past five seasons. That stretch includes a perfect 7-0 mark this season and an incredible run of 20 wins in their last 21 home matches dating back to 2023.
Bonomi Blaze
Outside hitter
Laura Bonomi continues to torch defenses, leading the Sun Conference in kills per set (4.19) while ranking fifth in attack percentage (.288). She's also second in aces (0.71 per set), proving her all-around dominance as one of the NAIA's premier six-rotation players.
Lopez Launch
Opposite hitter
Yarelis Lopez delivers a powerful secondary punch, sitting fifth in the conference at 3.21 kills per set. Her ability to terminate in transition makes the Fire attack multidimensional and dangerous from pin to pin.
Speer It Up
Setter
Haven Speer directs the Fire attack with precision, ranking fourth in the conference at 6.60 assists per set. Her poise, decision-making, and tempo control allow SEU's offense to thrive in rhythm—keeping opponents off balance and the pace blazing fast.
Connors Connection
Libero
Marysa Connors anchors the defense with 5.02 digs per set, fifth-best in the Sun. Her quick reads and clean ball control turn defense into transition, providing a steady foundation behind SEU's front-line pressure.
Ceroni Seal
Middle blocker
Lucrezia Ceroni locks down the net, ranking fifth in the Sun with 0.79 blocks per set. Her timing and court sense continue to swing momentum in SEU's favor during key stretches.
Scouting the Lions
Florida Memorial enters Friday's matchup still seeking its first win of 2025, carrying an 0-16 overall record and 0-7 conference mark. The Lions average 6.69 kills per set and are led offensively by L'fe Roberts (2.54 kills per set). Setter Carolina Alonso has totaled 113 assists, while Serena Edwards paces the defense with 85 digs (3.27 per set).
Southeastern has long controlled the series, holding a commanding 38-4 all-time advantage since 2003. The Fire are 21-0 at home, 16-4 on the road, and 1-0 at neutral sites, entering Friday's match on a nine-match winning streak. Each of the last nine meetings has gone SEU's way—eight of them sweeps—including a 3-0 win earlier this season in Lakeland.
Sun Standings Showdown
With the top six qualifying for the Sun Conference Tournament, Southeastern and St. Thomas share first place at 6-1 (.857), followed closely by New College of Florida (6-2, .750). Ave Maria (4-3) and Webber International (3-4) hold the middle spots, while Keiser (3-5) remains close behind the line. Warner (1-6) and Florida Memorial (0-7) round out the table.
What's Next
Southeastern returns to The Furnace on Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. to face New College of Florida, looking to avenge its lone conference loss of the year. The Fire then hit the road for a Saturday, October 18 match at 2 p.m. against Ave Maria. Both contests carry major implications in the Sun standings as SEU continues its charge toward another top seed in the conference tournament.
