LAKELAND, Fla. -- No. 6 Southeastern hits the road this weekend for a key Sun Conference series against No. 23 Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, Georgia. The three-game set features two of the top teams in the league standings and presents an important opportunity for the Fire to maintain momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch. With both teams ranking near the top of the conference in multiple statistical categories, the series carries significant weight in the conference race.
Schedule
- Friday, April 10 – 2 p.m. – Doubleheader
- Saturday, April 11 – 12 p.m.
All games at the CCGA Softball Field in Brunswick, Ga.
How to Follow
Fans can watch all games live on the Urban Edge Network app, available on Smart TVs and mobile devices, or online at UrbanEdgeNetwork.net. Live updates, highlights, and in-game coverage will also be available through SEU Athletics social media channels.
Fire 5 – Five Notes on No. 6 SEU Softball
- First Four = Full Shutdown
SEU has scored 40, 42, 37, and 49 runs in innings 1–4—each of those totals is higher than the 31 runs they've allowed ALL SEASON.
- Score First, Win Later
The Fire are 27-1 when scoring first and a perfect 21-0 when scoring in the 1st inning. Fast starts have been decisive.
- Run Margin Energy
Southeastern is 20-0 in games decided by 5+ runs and undefeated when scoring 6+ runs (17-0). When the bats show up, games don't stay close.
- Pressure Hits Different
SEU is hitting .376 with runners in scoring position and .363 with runners on base, compared to .166 and .170 for opponents. Execution has been consistent.
- Pitching Lab Numbers
Opponents are hitting just .171 overall and .127 vs lefties, while SEU leads the NAIA with a 0.66 ERA and 0.80 WHIP. Run prevention has been the foundation.
About the Fire
Southeastern enters the weekend at 33-4 overall and 14-1 in Sun Conference play, holding a .892 winning percentage and riding a five-game winning streak. The Fire have been dominant in all settings, including a perfect 7-0 mark on the road, and continue to position themselves as one of the top teams in the NAIA.
Offensively, Southeastern leads the Sun Conference in multiple categories, including batting average (.350), on-base percentage (.429), and slugging percentage (.481), while also ranking among the top 40 nationally in each. Their .910 OPS reflects a lineup that consistently produces both traffic and power, supported by 67 extra-base hits and 19 home runs on the season.
In the circle, the Fire have been the most dominant staff in the NAIA, leading the nation with a 0.66 ERA and 0.80 WHIP, while also ranking 11th nationally in strikeouts per seven innings (7.01). Opponents are hitting just .171 against Southeastern pitching, highlighting the staff's ability to limit both contact and scoring opportunities.
The Lineup
Ella Brooks continues to set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading the NAIA with a .509 batting average while ranking top-15 nationally in on-base percentage (.562) and hits (55). Her ability to consistently reach base and apply pressure with her speed—39 stolen bases—makes her one of the most impactful players in the country.
Raylei McKinney anchors the middle of the order with elite power production, hitting 10 home runs and driving in 46 RBIs while posting a .485 average and .893 slugging percentage. She ranks among the national leaders in multiple categories and provides a consistent run-producing presence for the Fire.
Erica Ramsey has provided steady production throughout the season, hitting .373 with a .488 on-base percentage while contributing both situational hitting and defensive consistency. Her ability to extend innings has been key to Southeastern's offensive balance.
Maria Zelenka adds another dynamic bat in the lineup, batting .373 with a .610 slugging percentage while also contributing in the circle. Her dual-threat presence creates matchup challenges and adds depth to the middle of the order.
Lauren Sekinger has been a consistent contributor, hitting .344 with 31 hits and 19 RBIs, providing stability in the lineup and helping sustain offensive pressure through quality at-bats.
Beyond the top performers, Southeastern benefits from depth across the lineup, including players like
Hailey Bradley (.333 AVG, .448 OBP, 22 runs),
Abby Franey (.301 AVG, .407 OBP, 13 RBIs), and
Ava Planeta (.286 AVG, 10 RBIs), who each contribute with timely hitting, on-base ability, and defensive reliability. This group consistently helps extend innings and maintain offensive pressure throughout the order.
Additional contributors such as
Jaidyn Fuller (.263 AVG, 5 XBH) and
Chelsi Rae' Hebert (.267 AVG, 3 HR, .600 SLG) provide situational production and power potential, giving the Fire added versatility and depth as they move through conference play.
The Staff
Edan Playa has been the most dominant pitcher in the NAIA this season, leading the country with a 0.38 ERA and 0.56 WHIP while holding opponents to a .127 batting average. Her efficiency and command have made her one of the most reliable arms in the nation.
Maria Zelenka has matched that production with a 0.49 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 85.2 innings, ranking among the national leaders in strikeouts and strikeout rate. Her ability to generate swings and misses provides a different look within the rotation.
Emma Vickers rounds out the staff with a 1.06 ERA, offering consistency and depth while limiting opposing offenses and providing quality innings in both starting and relief roles.
About Coastal Georgia
Coastal Georgia enters the weekend as one of the top teams in the Sun Conference, holding a 32-5 overall record and 17-1 mark in league play. The Mariners have been dominant at home (15-0) and nearly as strong on the road (12-1), establishing themselves as a consistent contender. Offensively, Coastal Georgia ranks among the best in the conference with a .343 team batting average and .482 slugging percentage. Their lineup is balanced and disciplined, featuring multiple hitters above .300 and strong production from players like Rylee Mills (.449), Kaitlyn Carolino (.387), and Rily Andrews (.366), all of whom contribute both on-base ability and run production.
In the circle, Coastal Georgia complements its offense with a reliable pitching staff anchored by Rylee Mills, who is 18-1 with a 1.15 ERA across 110 innings, giving the Mariners a true frontline arm. As a staff, they hold opponents to a .237 batting average and a 2.10 ERA, both among the top marks in the conference. The depth behind Mills, including Emilia Clemons (10-1, 2.44 ERA), allows Coastal Georgia to manage multi-game series effectively.
Series History
Southeastern and Coastal Georgia enter this weekend with a perfectly even 14-14 all-time series, reflecting how competitive the matchup has been since the first meeting in 2013. The Fire hold a slight edge in recent tournament settings, but the Mariners have had success in regular-season play, including taking two of three in last year's series in Lakeland. Southeastern won the most recent meeting (4-3) to close that 2025 series, snapping a brief Coastal Georgia stretch and carrying momentum into this year's matchup.
Looking Ahead
Southeastern returns home for a key Sun Conference showdown against No. 9 Keiser at the SEU Softball Field. The series begins on Friday, April 17 at 4 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader on April 18 at 1 p.m.. The matchup features two of the top teams in the conference and presents another critical opportunity for the Fire to strengthen their position in the league standings.
