LAKELAND, Fla. – The Southeastern University women’s soccer team opened their home schedule with a 5-0 win over fellow Sun Conference member Warner University.

It was Naira Lopez’s day as the transfer sophomore scored five goals in the first half, tying the program record for most goals scored in a game.

“What can you say about Naira. Naira is a special player, she created for herself, her teammates created for her,” said Fire head coach Alan Berrios. “There was uncertainty heading into this game because we didn’t dress 12 players. We talked about controlling our controllables, doing what we can do with what we have, and the girls came out strong with a ton of energy and put them on their heels quickly.”

The first goal from Lopez came early off a corner when she bent the ball around the near post to sneak it past the keeper for her first goal in a Fire uniform.

Later in the 14^th minute, Lopez got the ball at midfield and weaved around the Royals defense and for her second goal of the match. Lopez then converted on a penalty kick for goal number three.

Her final two goals were impressive as goal number four came off a perfectly placed pass from Makayla Peddycourt into the box that Lopez found with her head and guided it past the Royals goalie. Goal number five came when Lopez fired a shot well outside the box and soared over the keeper’s head into the back of the net.

Junior goalkeeper Holly Eddins and the rest of the Fire defense kept the Royals at bay throughout the match as Warner only managed two shots, both of which were saved by Eddins.

The Fire have a week off before their next game on Saturday, September 26^th when they host the USCB Sandsharks at 5:00 pm.

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