COLUMBUS, Ga. - [Watch On-Demand] Southeastern (Fla.) used a decisive four-run second inning and a complete-game effort from Maria Zelenka to defeat Southern Oregon University 5-2 after a short lightning delay at South Commons. 

Southern Oregon (45-14) struck first in the top of the second inning. Avery Coffin reached base and later scored when Kalea Thomas lined an RBI single through the right side to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead.

The advantage was short-lived, however, as Southeastern (50-8) answered immediately with its biggest inning of the game. In the bottom of the second, Zelenka helped her own cause with an RBI single to tie the game at 1-1. Chloe Baker followed with an RBI single that gave Southeastern the lead, while defensive miscues by Southern Oregon contributed to two unearned runs in the inning. Hailey Bradley delivered the key blow with a two-run double that stretched the lead to 4-1 and put Southeastern firmly in control.

Both teams settled into a pitching-and-defense battle from there. Southern Oregon totaled six hits and four walks but was unable to generate sustained offense against Zelenka, who went the distance to improve to 18-3 on the season. She allowed two runs on six hits while striking out five and walking four over seven innings.

The Raiders mounted a late push in the seventh inning when Vanessa Lang lifted a sacrifice fly that scored Elysia Duarte, trimming the deficit to 5-2. Duarte had reached base earlier in the inning and stolen a base before coming around to score.

Southeastern added an insurance run in the sixth inning when Bradley dropped down a bunt single that brought home Ella Brooks to make it 5-1. Bradley finished as the offensive standout for Southeastern, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

In the circle for Southern Oregon, Ayla Davies took the loss despite allowing only one earned run. Davies was charged with four runs — one earned — on six hits over three innings while striking out three. Lexi Ramirez worked the final three innings and allowed one run on one hit, though three walks and a wild pitch contributed to additional traffic on the bases.

Southeastern finished with seven hits and played error-free defense, while Southern Oregon recorded six hits and committed one error. The four-run second inning proved to be the difference as Southeastern advanced with the 5-2 victory.

The Fire will play again tomorrow, Tuesday. Southern Oregon will play Indiana Wesleyan again later this evening.