LAKELAND, FL - The Bryan College softball team opened their 2026 season on the road Friday, facing a formidable test against preseason No. 19 Southeastern University. The Fire themselves proved why they earned their national ranking, sweeping the Lions 9-4 and 14-1 in a doubleheader at their home field.

Game One: Lions Battle But Fall 9-4
Bryan College came out swinging in the opener, jumping to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. Brooklyn Malone provided the offensive spark with a two-run double down the left field line, scoring Maddie Lee and Savanna Schaffer to give the Lions their first runs of the season.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Southeastern responded immediately. E. Brooks singled and stole second before scoring on L. Sekinger's RBI single to cut the deficit to 2-1 after one inning.

The Fire seized control in the third inning with a three-run outburst. After an error by the Lady Lions allowed runners to advance, N. Wasserstr delivered a two-run single through the left side to give Southeastern a 4-2 advantage they would never relinquish.

Southeastern added insurance runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to build their lead. The Lady Lions showed resilience in the sixth frame when Malone struck again with her second double of the game, scoring Schaffer. Julianna Santillanes followed with an RBI single to bring Bryan within 7-4, but the Fire answered with two runs in the bottom of the sixth to seal the victory.

Malone finished the opener 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs, while Schaffer went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Santillanes also contributed two hits in the losing effort.

KP Smith (0-1) took the loss for Bryan, pitching all six innings and surrendering nine runs (eight earned) on 11 hits while striking out two.

Game Two: Southeastern Powers to 14-1 Victory
The nightcap proved even more challenging for the Lady Lions as Southeastern's offense exploded for 14 runs in a five-inning mercy-rule victory.

The Fire wasted no time establishing dominance, scoring in each of the first four innings. R. McKinney led the offensive onslaught, going 3-for-4 with three doubles and four RBIs. Southeastern's third inning was particularly devastating, as they sent 13 batters to the plate and scored six runs to break the game open.

Bryan's lone bright spot came in the fifth inning when Ally Anderson tripled down the left field line and scored on Madison Carpenter's RBI single. Anderson's triple was one of just three hits for the Lions in the contest.

Maddie Lee started in the circle for the Lady Lions but lasted just 1.1 innings, allowing four runs on two hits and five walks. Ava Saul provided 1.2 innings of relief before Britni Newbille finished the game.

Southeastern pitcher M. Zelenka was dominant in her three innings of work, striking out eight Lions while allowing just one hit. The Fire improved to 2-0 on the young season, showcasing the offensive firepower and pitching depth that earned them their preseason ranking.

Looking Ahead
While the opening doubleheader results weren't what the Lions hoped for, the games provided valuable experience against elite competition. Facing a top-20 team in the season opener gives Bryan College an opportunity to learn and adjust as they continue their Florida swing.

The Lions will look to bounce back and secure their first win of 2026 as they continue their road schedule. With bright spots from veterans like Malone and emerging contributors like Anderson, Bryan College has pieces to build upon as the season progresses. They will be at Warner University on Saturday. First pitch is set for 1:00 pm.