LAKELAND, Fla. -- Top-seeded and No. 15 Southeastern hosts second-seeded and No. 3 Keiser in the Sun Conference Women's Soccer Tournament Championship on Wednesday, November 12 at 6 p.m. at SEU Soccer Field in Lakeland, Fla. The winner secures The Sun Conference's automatic berth into the 2025 NAIA National Championship Opening Round, while the runner-up will await a potential at-large bid.
Southeastern (12-2-3, 6-1-1 Sun) enters unbeaten in its last seven matches (6-0-1) and is 6-1 at home this season. The Fire advanced to the final with a 1-0 win over St. Thomas, while Keiser (15-2-1, 6-1-1 Sun) rolled past SCAD Savannah 4-1 in its semifinal. The Seahawks are unbeaten in their last five (4-0-1) and 7-0 on the road.
Fans can watch the championship live on the Urban Edge Network via Smart TV or mobile app, or stream online at
fire.seu.edu/watchUEN. Live stats are available at
fire.seu.edu/sidearmstats/wsoc/summary, and tickets can be purchased at
fire.seu.edu/tickets.
Fire by the Numbers
Southeastern ranks among the Sun Conference's most complete teams, sitting second in goals per game (2.65) and assists per game (2.06) while also ranking third in both shots (17.8) and shots on goal (10.0). The Fire's .563 shot-on-goal rate reflects the attack's efficiency, while the defense ranks third in goals-against average (0.82) and third in save percentage (.778).
Home Heat and Historical Edge
Southeastern has built its foundation on home dominance and postseason success. The Fire are 44-26-6 all-time in postseason play, including a 23-2-3 record at home and a 13-1-2 mark in conference tournament matches played in Lakeland. Overall, SEU owns a .723 home winning percentage and is 20-2-3 in November home games, thriving under the lights at SEU Soccer Field.
Rivalry Rekindled
Southeastern and Keiser meet for the 29th time in a rivalry that has defined the Sun Conference for the past decade. The Fire are 4-20-4 all-time against the Seahawks, including a 2-6-3 mark in Lakeland, but have won two of the last four meetings, highlighted by a 3-2 road victory on October 15 after falling 4-1 at home earlier this season.
Overall, SEU has scored 31 goals while conceding 79 (1.11–2.82 per match) in the series as the Fire look to build on their recent momentum.
Setting the Standard
Seven members of the Fire earned All-Sun Conference honors, tying a program record for most honorees in a single season, while first-year head coach
Skelly Kellar was named Sun Conference Coach of the Year. The group reflects the depth and balance that propelled Southeastern to its first regular season title since 2020.
Sara Irurozki,
Madelyn Davidson, and
Ramsey Watkins earned First Team honors—Irurozki ranking among the league's top three in goals and assists, Davidson repeating as a First Team pick after another steady two-way season, and Watkins collecting her second career All-Conference selection for her composure and leadership in possession.
Olivia Hadad,
Ariadna Lozano,
Grace Banker, and
Olivia Thomassy earned Second Team recognition, representing every area of the pitch.
Locked In: The Shutout Streak
The Fire defense has been nearly impenetrable over the past month, posting four consecutive shutouts and holding opponents scoreless for the last 378 minutes and 51 seconds of game action. SEU's last goal allowed came in the 3-2 win at Keiser on October 15, and since then, SEU has outscored opponents 11-0 across its last four matches. Anchored by solid goalkeeping and a disciplined back line, the Fire have limited opponents to just 14 total shots on goal during the streak while controlling tempo and possession in every third of the field.
The recent run mirrors one of the best defensive stretches in program history — a six-match shutout streak during the 2023 season in which Southeastern went over 580 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal.
Playmaker in Command
A senior leader and engine of the Fire attack,
Sara Irurozki ranks third in the Sun Conference in points (26) and tied for fifth in assists (8) while adding nine goals. Her vision and efficiency have powered SEU's possession game, as she's been directly involved in nearly 40% of the team's scoring this season.
Finishing Touch
Freshman forward
Olivia Hadad has been a breakout performer, sitting fourth in the conference with 10 goals. Her clinical finishing has made her one of the NAIA's most efficient forwards, converting 23% of her shots and scoring in seven matches, including a two-goal outing against Warner.
Midfield Maestro
A steady presence with creative flair,
Ariadna Lozano has contributed seven goals and six assists, ranking just outside the league's top ten in both. Her combination play and poise in tight spaces have been vital to SEU's attacking rhythm.
Steady Spark
A veteran midfielder with big-game experience,
Madelyn Davidson has chipped in five goals and three assists while bringing balance to both sides of the pitch. She's delivered clutch moments throughout conference play, including a key goal in SEU's win over Keiser earlier this season.
Set-Piece Specialist
Rebecca Laface has provided production and precision with four goals and three assists, including one from the penalty spot. Her service on restarts and corners continues to generate high-quality opportunities for the Fire.
Backline Backbone
A senior defender with attacking instincts,
Grace Banker has scored four goals—two of them game-winners—while anchoring a defense that has posted nine shutouts and held opponents under one goal per match.
Wing Commander
Graduate midfielder
Ramsey Watkins adds experience and distribution from wide areas with two goals and three assists, helping stretch defenses and support SEU's high-press system.
Safe Hands
Between the posts,
Ella Sebree ranks second in the Sun Conference in goals-against average (0.68) and second in save percentage (.833). With a 4-0-1 record and three shutouts, the sophomore has provided stability and confidence to the Fire back line.
Scouting the Seahawks
No. 3 Keiser enters the championship at 15-2-1 with the league's most explosive offense, averaging 3.72 goals per game and leading the Sun in assists (74). The Seahawks feature three of the conference's top five scorers—Lauren Riley (15 goals, 11 assists), Maria Vilhena (11 goals, 12 assists), and Blanca Bächi (10 goals, 5 assists)—who headline a dynamic attack that has outscored opponents 67–12.
In goal, Mio Tanaka holds an 11-2-1 record with a 0.82 GAA, while Madison Priebe adds depth with a 0.36 GAA and .846 save rate. The Seahawks have recorded nine shutouts and are unbeaten on the road this season (7-0), reflecting the depth and experience of a team built for postseason success.
The Road Beyond
The Sun Conference Champion will earn an automatic berth to the 2025 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Opening Round, while the other finalist will await a potential at-large bid. The 40-team national field will be revealed during the NAIA Selection Show on Thursday, November 14 at 6 p.m. CT on the NAIA YouTube page. Opening Round matches will take place November 20–22 at campus host sites across the nation.
