AVE MARIA, Fla. –  In a back and forth contest, the No. 2 ranked Southeastern University women’s basketball team grabbed their 20^th win of the season with a 55-51 victory over Sun Conference opponent, Ave Maria University to advance to 20-1 and 9-0 in SUN play.
 
the Fire got on the board first with Angela Perry’s first points of the contest but seven consecutive points by the Gyrenes gave them a 7-2 advantage four minutes into the first quarter. After four more lead changes through the remainder of the quarter, the Gyrenes had the 17-16 advantage going into the second quarter after the Fire struggled from distance going 1-6 from beyond the arc.
 
Four consecutive points by Marta Aranda tilted the scales back in favor of the Fire as they took the 20-17 edge early in the second quarter. The Gyrenes continued their strong showing from three point range with back-to-back baskets to tie things up at 25 with just under five minutes to play before the half. The teams continued to battle with neither being able to grab the advantage heading into the locker room as they concluded the first 20 minutes with a 29-29 tie.
 
The Fire began to pull away from the Gyrenes in the third quarter after putting together an 8-0 run with Leilah Vigil contributing to five of those eight points. The late quarter run allowed the Fire a 45-38 lead heading into the final quarter after shooting 50% from the field and from beyond the arc. The fourth quarter saw the Fire lead by as much as nine but multiple missed opportunities by the Gyrenes with the clock winding down lent the Fire the 55-51 victory.
 
Leilah Vigil led the Fire in points and rebounds and recorded her first double-double of the season after recording 14 points and 11 rebounds. Angela Perry ended the night with 12 points while Rebecca Cook ended a strong defensive showing with eight rebounds, three steals, and four blocks.

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LAKE WALES, Fla. – Southeastern Director of Athletics Drew Watson has been named the 2020-21 Sun Conference Athletic Director of the Year the league announced on Friday.
 
 A four-time Sun Conference Athletic Director of the Year (2013-14, 2015-16, 2018-19, and 2020-21), Watson guided Southeastern to this year’s Sun Conference Commissioner’s Cup as the Fire scored a perfect 200 points, becoming the first school to accomplish a perfect score in the Commissioner’s Cup standings. 
 
 I want to thank SEU president Dr. Kent Ingle and executive vice president Dr. Chris Owen for the opportunity they give me each day to pursue my passion,” Watson said. “The support this university gives athletics is a game changer. I would also like to thank our student athletes, coaches, and our entire staff for their dedication to excellence. Without their efforts, recognition like this does not happen and I thank God for each one of them. Finally, this award means so much to me because it’s voted on by my peers. We could not have a better group of athletic directors in the Sun. The future of our conference is bright.”
 
 “Drew did a great job leading Fire athletics to great success over the course of the 2020-21 season,” Sun Conference Commissioner Dustin Wilke said. “Additionally, he is an outstanding representative of The Sun Conference and a deserving recipient of this year’s Athletic Director of the Year award.” 
 
In 2020-21, SEU boasted championships in men’s and women’s cross country, women’s soccer (regular season and tournament), men’s and women’s indoor track & field, women’s basketball (regular season and tournament), men’s and women’s outdoor track & field, and baseball (regular season and tournament).
 
In the 2020-21 athletic year, the Fire secured 13 NAIA National Championship team appearances and four NAIA national championships. SEU secured individual national wrestling titles in two weight classes, as Andreus Bond was the 149 pound champion and Kyle Kirkham the 165 pound champion. At Indoor Track & Field Nationals, the SEU women’s 4×400 meter relay team won the program’s first national championship. Later in the semester at Outdoor Nationals, Jaqual Bush captured the women’s 200-meter championship. In the latest release of the Learfield Cup standings, the SEU athletic department came in at No. 8, with the final standings still to be determined.
 
During his tenure as athletic director, the department has grown from nine programs and 150 student-athletes to 19 programs and over 430 student-athletes.  Watson has overseen the development of men’s and women’s cross country (2012), football (2013), women’s golf (2013), wrestling (2015), men’s and women’s track and field (2018), and beach volleyball (2019).
 
Watson currently serves on The Sun Conference Executive Committee and the NAIA’s Conduct and Ethics Committee. He is also first vice president of the NAIA’s Athletic Director’s Association (ADA). Additionally, he served as chair of the NAIA task force on divisions in basketball, working for two years on the recommendation to unify the two divisions. The change was adopted in 2018 and is in its first year of implementation during the current 2020-21 season.  

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MIAMI, Fla. – Coastal Georgia’s Elijah Goodman and Southeastern’s Gabrielle Ozoude have been named the Sun Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Players of the Week for the week ending Jan. 3.

Sun Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week
Elijah Goodman – Coastal Georgia – JR – Monroe, Georgia 

Goodman scored a career and game-high 31 points in Coastal Georgia Victory over the RV Southeastern University Fire. He shot 10-18 from the field, 6-11 from behind the arc, and 5-5 at the foul line. This was the second-highest amount of points scored by a Mariners this season.

This is Goodman’s first TSC weekly award of the season and the first of his career.

Sun Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week 
Gabrielle Ozoude – Southeastern – GS – Bellbrook, Ohio

Ozoude turned in another proficient week in the paint, offensively and defensively. She averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. Versus Edward Waters, Ozoude shot an impressive 72.7% from the field. Against the Mariners in a Sun Conference contest, she notched her third double-double in TSC play this season.

This is Ozoude’s second TSC weekly award of the season and the second of her career.

Sun Conference Basketball Players of the Week 

Men
Week 9 – Elijah Goodman – Coastal Georgia (Jan. 4)
Week 8 – Rod Boggan – Warner (Dec 21)
Week 7 – Riley Minix – Southeastern (Dec. 14)
Week 6 – Aubrey Washington – Florida Memorial (Dec. 7)
Week 5 – Jaylon Myles – Webber International (Nov. 30)
Week 4 – CoreVon Lott – Keiser (Nov. 23)
Week 3 – Eric Klekas – Ave Maria (Nov. 16)
Week 2 – Kris Goettert – Webber International (Nov. 9)
Week 1 – Riley Minix – Southeastern (Nov. 2) 

Women
Week 9 – Gabrielle Ozoude – Southeastern (Jan. 4)
Week 8 – Gabrielle Ozoude – Southeastern (Dec. 21)
Week 7 – Haley Gantt – Warner (Dec. 14)
Week 6 – Antigonie Sanabria – Keiser (Dec. 7)
Week 5 – N/A
Week 4 – Keaynna Tolbert– Florida Memorial (Nov. 23)
Week 3 – Anari Dozier – St. Thomas (Nov. 16)
Week 2 – Haley Gantt – Warner (Nov. 9)
Week 1 – Syanne Rowe – Ave Maria (Nov. 2)

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Sun Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week  

Riley Minix – Southeastern – SO – Vero Beach, Florida 
A 20-day layoff had no effect on Minix as he tied his season-high in points with 29 and registered a season-high in steals with five against St. Thomas. The Vero Beach native nearly doubled his season 3-PT field goal total after three games this week, giving him 31 on the year which has him ranked eighth in the NAIA. The sophomore maintained his position as conference scoring leader, averaging 22.6 PPG, three more points than the next closest.  

This is Minix’s second TSC weekly award of the season and the third of his career. 

Sun Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week 

Haley Gantt – Warner – JR – Boynton Beach, Florida 
Gantt was essential to the Royals success this week picking up two wins. She had a strong performance in the Royals only loss on the week to the Bobcats of St. Thomas where she registered 26 points and 3 blocks. She added 2 more blocks against the Rams in another good night with 12 points and 8 rebounds in the Royals victory. Gantt’s game against the Eagles of Trinity Baptist led to a season high 21 rebounds (14 defensive, 7 offensive). As a forward, Gantt was impressively 6-13 from 3-point range and surpassed the 100 point mark against the Eagles now sitting at 108 points on the season. Haley Gantt currently ranks #15 in the NAIA with 11 rebounds per game. Having played in only six games she ranks #4 in The Sun Conference with an average of 18.00 points per game. Gantt and D’Asia James of the Royals lead The Sun Conference in rebounds per game, #1 Gantt (11), #2 James (10.57). Gantt also now ranks #1 in The Sun Conference in blocks per game with 1.67.  

This is Gantt’s second TSC weekly award of the season and the second of her career. 

Sun Conference Basketball Players of the Week 

Men 
Week 7 – Riley Minix – Southeastern (Dec. 14) 
Week 6 – Aubrey Washington – Florida Memorial (Dec. 7) 
Week 5 – Jaylon Myles – Webber International (Nov. 30)   
Week 4 – CoreVon Lott – Keiser (Nov. 23)
Week 3 – Eric Klekas – Ave Maria (Nov. 16)
Week 2 – Kris Goettert – Webber International (Nov. 9)
Week 1 – Riley Minix – Southeastern (Nov. 2) 

Women 
Week 7 – Haley Gantt – Warner (Dec. 14) 
Week 6 – Antigonie Sanabria – Keiser (Dec. 7) 
Week 5 – N/A  
Week 4 – Keaynna Tolbert– Florida Memorial (Nov. 23) 
Week 3 – Anari Dozier – St. Thomas (Nov. 16) 
Week 2 – Haley Gantt – Warner (Nov. 9) 
Week 1 – Syanne Rowe – Ave Maria (Nov. 2)

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MIAMI, Fla. – Florida Memorial’s Aubrey Washington and Keiser’s Antigone Sanabria have been named the Sun Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Players of the Week for the week ending Dec. 6.    

Sun Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week  
Aubrey Washington – Florida Memorial – SR – Jacksonville, Florida 

Washington led the Lions to a big Sun Conference win over visiting Webber International University this past week, scoring a game-high 23 points (knocking down 5-of-9 from three-point range) while also adding 4 rebounds and 3 assists. 

This is Washington’s first TSC weekly award of the season and the first of his career. 

Sun Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week 
Antigonie Sanabria – Keiser – JR – Milan, Ohio 

Sanabria had back-to-back 21-point games to lead the Seahawks to a perfect week while moving back to .500 in conference play. She also had her first double-double of the year. 

This is Sanabria’s first TSC weekly award of the season and the first of her career. 

Sun Conference Basketball Players of the Week 

Men 

Week 6 – Aubrey Washington – Florida Memorial (Dec. 7) 
Week 5 – Jaylon Myles – Webber International (Nov. 30)   
Week 4 – CoreVon Lott – Keiser (Nov. 23)
Week 3 – Eric Klekas – Ave Maria (Nov. 16)
Week 2 – Kris Goettert – Webber International (Nov. 9)
Week 1 – Riley Minix – Southeastern (Nov. 2) 

Women 

Week 6 – Antigonie Sanabria – Keiser (Dec. 7) 
Week 5 – N/A  
Week 4 – Keaynna Tolbert– Florida Memorial (Nov. 23) 
Week 3 – Anari Dozier – St. Thomas (Nov. 16) 
Week 2 – Haley Gantt – Warner (Nov. 9) 
Week 1 – Syanne Rowe – Ave Maria (Nov. 2) 

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Which women’s basketball team will win The Sun Conference is 2020-2021?

VOTE HERE.

Poll closes midnight on Nov. 30.

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LAKELAND, Fla. – In another instant classic between Southeastern and Keiser, the Fire came away with their second Sun Conference Tournament title with a 4-2 win in a shootout after tying 2-2.

During the shootout, junior goalkeeper Holly Eddins made back to back saves on the second and third Keiser shooters, diving to her left against Emma Holmskov, and diving to her right to guide Alicia Drott’s shot just wide of the post.

“It felt so good, it was just instinct and a lot of prayer to be completely honest,” said Eddins. “This championship means everything. We’ve been working hard and have been preparing for this moment and it feels great.”

Eddins finished the match with nine saves and was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

“We were excited about the shootout not just because of the quality of players we had on ball, but also having Holly in goal and you just feel that confidence,” said coach Alan Berrios. “She pushed through and is committed and that’s why she’s special.”

After Summer Rusher, Naira Lopez, and Gabriela Labrador made their shots, senior Aisha Solorzano stepped to the spot and drilled the ball into the back of the net to secure the title.

“My mindset was send it to the back of the net and hit it hard,” said Solorzano. “It was a special moment for us. Both sides played a really good game, but it was so nice to win and win at home.”

Keiser got on the scoreboard first with a goal in the 42^nd minute when Drott received a long feed from the midfield and sent it just inside the far post.

The Fire got off to a quick start in the second half, getting a long shot from Makayla Peddycoart in the 49^th minute. In the 58^th, Labrador put a ball into the keeper off a free kick and Jennifer Luna knocked it free and into the back of the net to give SEU the lead.

“This group of girls bought into a system that was based on effort and working hard and never giving up,” said Berrios. “When we went down we talked about bouncing back and bringing the fight.”

Keiser answered with a goal by Holmskov in the 66^th to force extra time.

With the win, the Fire clinch a trip to the NAIA National Tournament which will begin at campus sites April 15^th.

“They love each other, they absolutely love each other,” said Berrios of the team. “They care for one another and they sacrifice for one another.”

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MIAMI, Fla. – The Sun Conference announced on Thursday its award winners for the 2020 men’s soccer season. 

Keiser’s Adrian Camacho Castro was named the Sun Conference Player of the Year. Last year’s TSC freshman of the Year, Camacho Castro earned First-Team All-Sun Conference honors in 2020. Stating in nine of the team’s 10 conference games, Camacho Castro led KU in scoring (8), assists (6), and points (22). The second-year Seahawk was tops in the league in goals and assists. He was a four-time Sun Conference Offensive Player of the Week this season. 

Webber International’s Andy Obregon was named the Sun Conference Freshman of the Year. The first-year Warrior finished third on his team in goals scored (3) while adding one assist for seven points. Obergon appeared in 13 games for the Warriors, starting in 11. He ranked No. 9 in the Sun Conference in shots per game (2.17), No. 10 in shots on goal per game (1.00), No. 13 in goals, and No. 17in points. 

Keiser’s Gavin Oldham was named the Sun Conference Coach of the Year. In his fourth season at the helm, Oldham guided KU to the TSC regular-season title and a perfect 10-0 mark in league play. Undefeated on the year, the Seahawks boasted a league-best eight all-conference honorees en route to the program’s second-straight championship game appearance.  

Warner’s Timothy Shaner was named the Sun Conference Champion of Character. Shaner, a senior defender with the Royals, has served as a Warner University Royal Ambassador. He also has volunteered at the Lake Wales Care Center, and HEART (a non-profit third world missionary training village located behind the campus of Warner University). Shaner also taught classes of elementary kids from church and the surrounding community, and directed BALL ministry – Bold Athletes Living for the Lord – a ministry that helps give lower classed kids the opportunity to play sports, feel loved by a group of college students, and the ability to learn about God.
  

2020 Sun Conference Men’s Soccer Award Winners
 
Player of the Year 
Adrian Camacho Castro (SO), F, Keiser  

Freshman of the Year 
Andy Obregon, MF, Webber International 

Coach of the Year 
Gavin Oldham, Keiser  

Champion of Character 
Timothy Shaner (SR), D, Warner 

On Tuesday, the 2020 All-Sun Conference Teams were announced. Below are this year’s honorees. 

2020 Sun Conference Men’s Soccer All-Conference
 
First Team 
F          Fernando Arzeno (JR), St. Thomas  
F          Ciro Damine (JR), Keiser  
F          Lucas Jacobs (JR), Keiser  
MF       Fernando Abreu (SO), Keiser  
MF       Adrian Camacho Castro (SO), Keiser  
MF       Julian Hall (SR), Southeastern  
MF       Federico Landaburu (GS), St. Thomas  
D          Juan Manuel Collazo (JR), St. Thomas  
D          Julius Fassbinder (SR), Keiser  
D          Cristobal Molina Campo (JR), Keiser  
GK        Felipe Godoy (JR), Keiser          
 
Second Team
F          Colin Horn (GS), Southeastern*  
F          Felipe Madero (JR), St. Thomas*  
F          David Negrin Ruiz (SR), Webber International*  
F          Alexander Steen (FR), Keiser*  
MF       Joaquin Domber (SR), St. Thomas  
MF       Skylar Funk (SR), Southeastern  
MF       Luis Stalin Munoz (SR), St. Thomas  
MF       Andy Obregon (FR), Webber International  
D          Shawn Hardy (JR), Southeastern  
D          Eric Longhorn (JR), Webber International            
D          Federico Zanna (SR), St. Thomas  
GK        Alex Marciulonis (SR), Webber International 
 *-tie in voting 

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2020  Sun Conference Volleyball All-Conference
 
First Team 
Cabriella Bouterse, JR, OH                 Ave Maria  
Madelyn Haut, SO, MB                       Ave Maria 
Victoria Schein, SO, L/DS                    Ave Maria 
Lily Witkoski, SO, S                             Ave Maria 
Giovana Larregui Lopez, JR, OH          Coastal Georgia 
Cassie Cox, JR, OH                              Keiser      
Amber Dilsaver, JR, MB                      Keiser 
Jordan Odom, SR, OH/DS                    Keiser 
Abbe Seward, SR, OH                         Keiser 
Emily Boehlein, SR, RS/MB                 Southeastern 
Kyleigh Beecham, SO, S                      St. Thomas 
Arianna Bolinger, JR, OH                    St. Thomas 
Tyran Chenault, SR, MB                      St. Thomas 
Victoria Fernandez, FR, L                    St. Thomas 

Second Team
Erica Chenard, SR, MB                        Ave Maria 
Gardieliz Laureano-Anujar, SR, S         Coastal Georgia 
Alison Muldrow, SR, MB                     Coastal Georgia 
Talia Myers, JR, MB                            Keiser 
Brooklyn VandeHei, JR, S                   Keiser 
Aurora Alderman, SR, DS/L                 Warner 
TarriAnne Henry, FR, S/RS                  Warner 
Svenja Koenig, GS, MB                       Webber International

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THOMASVILLE, Ga. – In their Sun Conference opener, the Southeastern University men’s basketball team defeated Thomas University 89-69 to move to 4-0 on the season.

Sophomore Riley Minix and senior Isaiah Moody paced the Fire as Minix finished with his second double-double of the season with 26 points and 15 rebounds, while Moody poured in a season-high 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

Trailing 5-0 to start the game, the Fire outscored the Night Hawks 37-15 the rest of the half to take a 37-20 lead into halftime. Sophomore Reggie Mesidor sparked the Fire offense in the first half, leading the team in scoring with 11 points.

As a team, Southeastern shot 55.6% from the field and outrebounded Thomas 24-9 in the first half.

The Fire defense prevented Thomas from finding open looks in the first 20 minutes of action as they held the Night Hawks to just 24.2% shooting from the field. That continued in the second half with Southeastern holding Thomas to shoot only 33.8% for the game.

SEU found their rhythm on offense in the final 20 minutes of play as they scored 52 points, the most points they’ve scored in a half this season.

Minix and Moody did most of their damage in the second half with Minix scoring 17 points and Moody adding 14 while shooting 6-of-6 from the field.

Transfer Ralph Diaz scored all eight of his points in the second half and added six rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Graduate center Devon Ford controlled the paint in this one as he collected four offensive rebounds which helped him score his 11 points.

The Fire (4-0, 1-0 TSC) continue TSC action on Monday with a game at Coastal Georgia set for 7:30 pm.

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