AVE MARIA, Fla. — The No. 25 Southeastern Fire battled back after dropping the opening set to defeat Ave Maria, 3-1, on Saturday afternoon. With the win, SEU improved to 7-3 overall and 2-0 in conference play, while Ave Maria fell to 5-3 and 1-2.

SEU opened the match with a competitive first set but fell to the Gyrenes, 25-21. The Fire responded in the second set, earning a 25-21 victory to even the match at 1-1.

The Fire carried that momentum into the third set, taking control with a 25-18 victory. SEU then closed out the match in the fourth set, dominating 25-12 to secure the 3-1 comeback victory.

Laura Bonomi led the Fire offensively with 23 kills while hitting .286 and added two service aces and 18 digs for a team-high 25 points. Lucrezia Ceroni followed with 11 kills while hitting .381, along with three digs and three assists.

Jillian Zoerman contributed 10 kills and 12 digs, while Laura Santangeletta and Jewel Carling each recorded six kills. Haven Speer directed the Fire offense with 45 assists and added three service aces and 12 digs.

Mallori Grey anchored the defensive effort with a team-high 27 digs. Speer and Ceroni each contributed three block assists.

The Fire return to action September 15, looking to build on the four-set victory and continue their strong start to conference play.