MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- SEU went point-for-point with No. 14 St. Thomas through two competitive sets before the nationally ranked Bobcats pulled away late to take a 25–23, 23–25, 25–19, 25–15 victory Saturday afternoon. The matchup featured the top two hitting teams in The Sun Conference, and for long stretches, the Fire matched the Bobcats' pace, precision, and energy before the hosts' front-line depth took control in the final two frames.
The opening set established the tone for a back-and-forth battle. St. Thomas jumped ahead 18–11 on the strength of its block and transition attack before the Fire stormed back with a furious rally.
Laura Bonomi and
Yarelis Lopez combined for four kills during a 10–5 run, including a Lopez ace that leveled the score at 23–23. Southeastern's comeback fell just short, however, as the Bobcats capitalized on consecutive side outs to take the opener by two.
Southeastern carried that energy into the second set and produced its sharpest stretch of volleyball on the night. With setters
Ashley Downs and
Haven Speer alternating the offense effectively, the Fire kept St. Thomas guessing and found rhythm through both pins. After trailing 12–8, Southeastern clawed back behind a Grey service run and strong blocking from Ceroni. Lopez's kill at 24–23 punctuated a .256 hitting set and evened the match at one apiece.
The Bobcats found another gear in the third, jumping out to a 5–0 lead and hitting .519 for the set to reclaim the advantage. Despite efficient work from Bonomi and Lopez, who combined for nine kills in the frame, St. Thomas' quick tempo through the middle created separation that Southeastern couldn't close. The fourth saw the Bobcats seize control early with an 11–1 start and hold off any late push. Southeastern flashed resilience with kills from Lopez and Bonomi and a pair of Grey aces but couldn't overcome the 16–4 block margin that defined the night.
Bonomi led all players with 20 kills, 14 digs, and four aces for her 19th double-double of the season. Lopez joined her with 16 kills, 12 digs, and three aces, while Ceroni added six kills and two blocks. Downs finished with 20 assists, Speer contributed 19, and libero
Marysa Connors anchored the defense with 11 digs. The Fire out-aced the Bobcats 9–3 and recorded 47 kills but were out-hit .331 to .124.
With the regular season now complete, Southeastern (21–5 overall, 11–4 The Sun Conference) turns its focus to the postseason. The Fire will face either No. 3 seed New College of Florida or No. 6 seed Warner in the Sun Conference Semifinals on Friday, November 14 at St. Thomas in Miami Gardens.
