LAKELAND, Fla. -- SEU Volleyball returns to The Furnace this Saturday, September 6, at 2 p.m. to host Florida Memorial in the first Sun Conference match of the season for both teams. The Fire enter the weekend at 8-1 overall, riding a three-match winning streak following a dominant showing at the Faulkner Invitational.
Fans can catch the action live on the Urban Edge Network and the Sun Digital Network, with real-time stats available at
seufire.com.
Fire Rising in 2025
Southeastern's 8-1 start marks the program's best opening stretch since 2018, when the Fire raced out to a 13-1 record. The Fire have excelled in neutral site matchups, going 5-1, and remain unbeaten at home (2-0) as they return to The Furnace for the start of conference play.
Picked second in the 2025 Sun Conference Preseason Poll, SEU earned 41 points and one first-place vote, trailing only St. Thomas (49 points, seven first-place nods). With five home matches on deck in October, Southeastern is poised to build on its early momentum.
Inside The Furnace, SEU has established one of the league's most challenging environments. The Fire went 7-1 at home last season, with the lone setback coming against a nationally ranked opponent. Over the past three-plus seasons, Southeastern boasts a 23-4 home record, underscoring its dominance on its home floor.
Conference Numbers
Through the first three weekends, Southeastern has positioned itself among the Sun Conference's elite statistical leaders. The Fire rank:
* 1st in Kills per Set – 13.90
* 1st in Assists per Set – 13.06
* 2nd in Hitting Percentage – .224
* 2nd in Aces per Set – 1.97
* 3rd in Digs per Set – 18.32
Offensive Leader
For the third straight week,
Laura Bonomi was named Sun Conference Attacker of the Week, continuing her dominant early-season form. The junior outside hitter leads the Fire with 133 kills (4.29/set) on a .316 hitting percentage and paces the team with 24 service aces. A true six-rotation standout, Bonomi has posted six double-doubles, including 19 kills and 23 digs against Grace and 17 kills and 23 digs at Faulkner.
Consistent Scoring Threat
Senior outside hitter
Yarelis Lopez has emerged as a steady force for the Fire offense, ranking second on the team with 103 kills (3.32/set). Lopez also contributes 121 digs and 12 aces, showing her all-around versatility. She's recorded three double-doubles this season, highlighted by a 17-kill, 19-dig performance vs. Grace.
Quarterbacking the Offense
Sophomore setter
Haven Speer keeps the Fire attack balanced and efficient, distributing 235 assists (7.58/set) on the season. Speer has surpassed 35 assists twice this year, including a season-high 40 against Grace, and adds 57 digs on the defensive end.
Defensive Anchor
Libero
Marysa Connors leads Southeastern's back row with 147 digs (4.90/set) while maintaining a strong .915 reception percentage. She's posted 20+ digs in three matches this season, including a season-best 29 digs in the win over Reinhardt, cementing her role as the defensive heartbeat of the team.
Taming the Lions
Florida Memorial enters Saturday's match at 0-8 after opening the season with a challenging tournament slate. The Lions are averaging 5.2 kills per set and hitting -.050 as a team, with L'Fe Roberts leading the offense at 1.96 kills per set. Setter Juliana Medina paces the squad with 53 assists, while Roberts also leads the team with 51 digs. Opponents are hitting .205 against FMU and averaging 11.3 kills per set.
Series History
Saturday marks the 42nd all-time meeting between Southeastern and Florida Memorial, with the Fire holding a commanding 37-4 series advantage. SEU is a perfect 20-0 at home and has won eight straight in the series, including back-to-back sweeps in 2024.
Looking Ahead
SEU continues Sun Conference play next week with a midweek trip to Sarasota to face New College of Florida on Wednesday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. The Fire will then return home on Saturday, September 13, to host Ave Maria inside The Furnace at 2 p.m.
Â
Your team. Your news. Your Fire.
Get the inside scoop on SEU Athletics with game previews, recaps, highlights, and more — all delivered right to your inbox. Stay connected and never miss a moment!
Join the Newsletter
Â
