LAKELAND, Fla. — The Ave Maria Gyrenes opened conference play Wednesday night against the Southeastern Fire, losing 3-0.  That is now three seasons in a row the Gyrenes have lost their conference opener with their last win coming in 2020 over Florida Memorial.

Southeastern pressured early and often against Ave Maria and were rewarded with an early goal in the fifth minute. The Fire tacked on a second goal in the 30th minute and scored their final goal ten minutes into the second half.

Despite allowing three goals, keeper Rhys Lawlor stopped a barrage of shots throughout the game, getting six saves in the first half and ending the game with nine. That is a season high for the senior goalkeeper in the young 2023 campaign and the most saves he has recorded since October 12, 2022, when he stopped 21 shots against the Webber Warriors.

On the offensive side of the ball, Ave Maria had a tough time getting anything started, only managing four shots in total and none on goal. Luis Mendoza led the charge with two shots that went wide and high.

Three Gyrenes got three yellow cards in the game, all in the first half. Southeastern reciprocated with three of their own in the second half. With three cautions issued to Ave Maria, that brings their season total up to 10, averaging two cards per game, which is tied for fourth highest in the conference.

The Gyrenes are home for their next match hosting the Florida Memorial Lions Saturday, September 16. The Lions tied the Keiser Seahawks 2-2 in their conference opener Wednesday, earning a point in the standings. The Gyrenes are 6-13 against the Lions all time, which is their best record against a conference opponent. However, FMU has won the last two matchups, shutting out Ave Maria in both matches. The Gyrenes hope to change all that Saturday and get their first win under new head coach Cesar Markovic. The game will be broadcasted on the Sun Digital Network while live stats can be found on www.avemariagyrenes.com.