LAKELAND, Fla. – The Fire opened the 2025 season with some timely hitting. Southeastern University got a game-winning RBI single from Chapel Cunningham in the opener and exploded for a 7-run third inning in game two for a sweep of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on opening day, 5-4 and 13-5. It was the fifth year in a row the Fire swept their opening day doubleheader.
After the Fillies tied the first contest in the top of the fifth, Lauren Sekinger led off the home sixth with a double and replaced by a pinch runner, Chole Baker, who scored the game-winner on Cunningham's hot liner to center. Maria Zelenka retired the visitors in order in the seventh for the save.
In the second contest the Fire, already up 3-1, saw six hitters drive in a run with a two-run Hailey Brooks double as the big hit of a seven-run frame. SEU cruised from there and claimed the five-inning victory by eight-run rule, 13-5.
Setting the table from the top two spots of the lineup, Cunningham and Hailey Brooks combined for a 7-for-12 afternoon with four runs, five RBI, and four stolen bases. Cunningham was 4-for-6 and Brooks as 3-for-6.
SEU saw four other hitters line a pair of hits in the pair of wins. Zelenka and Sekinger doubled and singled, while Raylei McKinney and Nicole Wasserstrom singled in each contest.
Pinch hitters Katie Short doubled, while Erica Ramsey and Mallory Watts singled in their plate appearances. Leah Gonzalez and Kassidy Moore completed the offensive output with a single apiece.
In the circle, Edan Playa pitched the first six innings for the game one win, allowing eight hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. Zelenka fanned two as she saved the opener and returned and fired off five innings for the second-game win, where she added three strikeouts.
The Fire return to action tomorrow afternoon at home in a doubleheader against Thomas University. First pitch is at 12 p.m.
