LAKELAND, Fla. -- The SEU Women's Soccer team continued its impressive early-season form, defeating Ave Maria 3–1 on the road Saturday afternoon to remain unbeaten. With the victory, SEU improves to 5-0-1, marking the program's best start to a season since opening the 2020 campaign with 12 straight wins.
The Gyrenes struck first in the ninth minute when Claire Wrobleski finished off a chance to put the home side ahead 1–0. The Fire wasted little time responding, leveling the score less than two minutes later as
Ariadna Lozano tucked away a shot from close range. Just two minutes after that, defender
Grace Banker surged forward and delivered what would prove to be the game-winner, giving SEU a 2–1 advantage before 15 minutes had passed. Southeastern continued to apply pressure throughout the half, piling up nine shots and four corner kicks before finally breaking through again in the 42nd minute. Freshman
Olivia Hadad finished a pass from
Madelyn Davidson to give the Fire a two-goal cushion heading into halftime.
The second half saw SEU's depth and possession game take over. Though they didn't add to the scoreline, the Fire controlled the flow, firing 18 shots after the break while denying Ave Maria sustained opportunities. Goalkeepers
Sofia Diaz and
Madison Songer combined for four saves, with Songer coming on for the second half to help preserve the advantage. Southeastern's back line and midfield pressed effectively, limiting Ave Maria to just four attempts in the final 45 minutes, two of which were comfortably handled.
Southeastern outshot the Gyrenes 27–10 overall and earned a commanding 9–2 edge in corner kicks. The Fire leaned on their depth to keep fresh legs in the match and close out the win.
The Fire return home for one of their biggest tests of the year, hosting No. 1 Keiser University on Wednesday, September 24 at 7 p.m. at the SEU Soccer Field in Lakeland.
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