LAKELAND, Fla. -- No. 6 Southeastern returns home this week for a pivotal Sun Conference showdown against No. 11 St. Thomas, beginning Tuesday at 4 p.m. before a Wednesday doubleheader at 1 p.m. at the SEU Softball Field. The three-game set features two of the league's top programs and carries significant early conference implications, as the Fire look to continue their strong form against a nationally ranked opponent on their home field.
Series Schedule
- Tuesday, March 24 — vs. #11 St. Thomas — 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 25 — vs. #11 St. Thomas — 1 p.m. (DH)
All games at the SEU Softball Field in Lakeland, Fla.
Gameday Coverage
Fans can watch all games this weekend on the Urban Edge Network App, available on smart TVs and mobile devices, as well as online at
UrbanEdgeNetwork.net. Live stats will also be available via
SEUFire.com, providing real-time updates and full box scores throughout the series.
Fire 5 — Five Notes on No. 6 SEU Softball
- Nation's Best in the Circle
Southeastern leads the NAIA with a 0.60 team ERA and 0.80 WHIP, allowing just 15 earned runs across 174 innings while holding opponents to a .175 batting average this season.
- Brooks Setting the Tone
Ella Brooks is hitting .494 with 44 hits, 39 runs scored, and a .545 on-base percentage, while going a perfect 33-for-33 in stolen bases, ranking among the NAIA leaders in hits and average.
- McKinney Driving the Offense
Raylei McKinney is hitting .476 with 39 hits, 11 doubles, 6 home runs, and 33 RBIs, leading the Sun Conference in RBIs while ranking among NAIA leaders in multiple power categories.
- Relentless Offense
The Fire are hitting .345 as a team with a .423 on-base percentage, leading the Sun Conference in both categories while totaling 234 hits and 179 runs this season.
- Winning Formula
Southeastern is 17-0 in games decided by 5+ runs and 10-0 when scoring 6–9 runs, showing their ability to take control and close out games.
Season Snapshot
Southeastern enters the weekend with a 28–3 overall record (.903) and a perfect 9–0 mark in Sun Conference play. The Fire have been dominant across all environments, going 14–1 at home, 7–0 on the road, and 7–2 at neutral sites.
Production at the Dish
The Fire offense ranks among the top units in the NAIA, hitting .345 (26th nationally) with a .423 on-base percentage (19th) and a .469 slugging percentage (41st), good for a .892 OPS (33rd). Southeastern leads the Sun Conference in both batting average and on-base percentage while ranking second in slugging. The Fire have totaled 234 hits, 179 runs, 53 extra-base hits, and 14 home runs.
Arms in Control
Southeastern's pitching staff has been the foundation of its success, ranking No. 1 in the NAIA in ERA (0.60) and WHIP (0.80) while also sitting 9th nationally in strikeouts per seven innings (7.16). Opponents are hitting just .175 against the Fire, who have allowed only 15 earned runs in 174 innings.
Fire Among the Nation's Best
Southeastern's national presence is reflected in multiple players ranking among the NAIA's top 50 across key categories, reinforcing both offensive firepower and pitching dominance.
Ella Brooks ranks 8th in hits, 10th in batting average, 27th in on-base percentage, and 48th in RBIs, continuing to set the tone as one of the most reliable bats in the lineup.
Raylei McKinney ranks 13th in RBIs, 19th in home runs, 20th in slugging percentage, 22nd in extra-base hits, 25th in doubles, and 29th in hits, while also placing 22nd in batting average and 36th in on-base percentage—solidifying her role as one of the NAIA's top all-around offensive threats.
Maria Zelenka ranks 1st in ERA, 3rd in strikeouts per seven innings, 5th in total strikeouts, 6th in wins, and 6th in WHIP, anchoring the Fire pitching staff as one of the most dominant arms in the country.
Edan Playa ranks 1st in WHIP, 2nd in ERA, and 18th in wins, showcasing elite efficiency and command in the circle.
Emma Vickers ranks 20th in ERA and 16th in WHIP, adding further depth to a nationally recognized pitching unit.
Poll Position
Southeastern moved up to No. 6 in the NAIA Coaches' Poll (March 18), marking the highest regular-season ranking in program history and the program's highest position since being ranked No. 4 in the 2023 preseason poll.
By the Numbers
Analytically, Southeastern continues to validate its national ranking, sitting No. 6 in the Massey Ratings with a strength of schedule rating of 122. The Fire's combination of elite run prevention and efficient offense supports their standing as one of the top teams in the country.
Bats to Watch
Ella Brooks has been one of the most dominant hitters in the NAIA, leading the Sun Conference with a .494 batting average, 44 hits, and a .545 on-base percentage. She has also scored 39 runs, stolen 33 bases (33-for-33), and driven in 24 runs. Her national rankings—2nd in hits, 18th in average, and 30th in OBP—underscore her consistency and ability at the top of the lineup.
Raylei McKinney anchors the middle of the order with elite production, hitting .476 with 39 hits, 11 doubles, 6 home runs, and 33 RBIs while posting a .829 slugging percentage. She also owns a .527 OBP and is a perfect 14-for-14 on stolen bases. Ranking 6th nationally in RBIs and top 11 in multiple power categories, she is one of the most dangerous hitters in the NAIA.
Erica Ramsey has been a key table-setter, hitting .380 with a .492 on-base percentage, adding 19 hits, 9 RBIs, and 11 runs scored. With nine walks and strong plate discipline, she consistently keeps innings alive and creates opportunities for the middle of the lineup.
Maria Zelenka provides a rare two-way presence, hitting .409 with 18 hits, 4 doubles, 2 home runs, and 15 RBIs, along with a .682 slugging percentage. Her ability to contribute offensively while anchoring the pitching staff adds significant value and depth to Southeastern's lineup.
Lauren Sekinger has been a steady contributor, hitting .333 with 25 hits and 15 RBIs while posting a .402 OBP. Her consistency and situational hitting have helped sustain rallies and maintain offensive pressure throughout games.
The Fire's depth remains a major strength, with
Hailey Bradley (.328, .455 OBP, 19 runs) providing speed and on-base ability,
Ava Planeta (.324, .429 OBP) delivering efficient production, and
Abby Franey (.279, 10 RBIs, 11 walks) contributing timely hitting.
Circle Strength
Maria Zelenka leads the rotation with a 0.29 ERA and 12–1 record over 73.1 innings, allowing just 3 earned runs while striking out 103 batters and holding opponents to a .183 average. With seven complete games and six shutouts, she ranks among the NAIA leaders in nearly every category.
Edan Playa has been equally dominant, posting a 0.37 ERA with a 10–1 record across 57.1 innings, allowing just 26 hits and holding opponents to a .133 average. Her 0.59 WHIP (No. 1 nationally) highlights her ability to limit baserunners and control games.
Emma Vickers adds depth with a 1.19 ERA over 35.1 innings and a 3–1 record, holding opponents to a .194 average. Her versatility allows her to contribute in both starting and relief roles while maintaining strong efficiency.
Elana Roush provides additional depth out of the bullpen, recording a 2.63 ERA over 8.0 innings with 8 strikeouts. Her role helps preserve the effectiveness of the top arms while giving Southeastern flexibility throughout a series.
Scouting the Bobcats
St. Thomas enters the week as one of the hottest teams in the NAIA, carrying a 22–6 overall record and a perfect 6–0 mark in Sun Conference play while riding a six-game winning streak. The Bobcats have been particularly strong at home (16–1) and have shown the ability to win in tight contests, including recent victories over Ave Maria and Trinity Baptist. Their recent stretch includes wins in five of their last six games, highlighted by a series sweep of Ave Maria and a pair of dominant run-rule victories, signaling strong form heading into this top-15 matchup.
Offensively, St. Thomas features a balanced and productive lineup hitting .314 as a team with 230 hits and 149 RBIs through 28 games, led by Bailey LeGere (.418), Mya Achenbach (.376), and Emma Edwards (.365), all of whom provide consistent production at the top of the order.
In the circle, the Bobcats boast a 2.34 team ERA, anchored by Melody Vizcaino (9–3, 2.60 ERA) and Johana Magaldi (6–2, 2.72 ERA), giving St. Thomas a reliable one-two punch that complements an efficient pitching staff allowing opponents to hit just .238.
History of the Matchup
Southeastern holds a 30–12 advantage in the all-time series against St. Thomas, a matchup that dates back to 2013 and has largely been controlled by the Fire, particularly at home where SEU is 15–3. The Fire have also found consistent success on the road (14–3), though postseason and neutral-site meetings have favored the Bobcats more heavily, with St. Thomas holding a 6–1 edge in those contests. While Southeastern dominated much of the early and middle portions of the series, the rivalry has tightened in recent years. The Fire have dropped two straight entering this week and are just 3–7 in the last 10 meetings.
On Deck
Southeastern continues its homestand next week with a Sun Conference series against Warner, beginning with a Thursday doubleheader at 2 p.m. before wrapping up the series on Friday at noon at the SEU Softball Field. The three-game set offers another opportunity for the Fire to strengthen their position in the conference standings while maintaining momentum on their home field.
