LAKELAND, Fla. — The defense recorded their third three-turnover game of the year in the season finale Saturday, but a slow offensive day burned the Gyrenes as the Ave Maria Football team fell to the Southeastern Fire 24-0.

All three turnovers were through the air as the Gyrene secondary continued to build on their impressive season. Reigning National Special Team Player of the Week Rashad Orr recorded the first interception of the game, picking a ball off in the end zone to prevent a Southeastern touchdown. In the third quarter, DJ Van Horn perfectly timed a pass and jumped in front of the Fire receiver for the second interception of the game. The final pick was on the final play of the game. Instead of taking a knee, Southeastern tried to boost their lead by throwing for the end zone. However, Sean Battle came down with the ball instead , recording his first interception of the season and ending the year on a positive note for the Gyrenes.

The Gyrene defense ends the year with 15 interceptions and 21 total turnovers. Fifteen interceptions are a season high for any defense under head coach Joe Patterson and the second-most interceptions in a year in program history. It is also two straight years with 21 takeaways by the Gyrenes, the most since 2016.

Unfortunately, the success on defense did not translate to offensive success. The Gyrenes were held scoreless for the second time this season, punting seven times, throwing one interception and turning over on downs twice. The Gyrenes were held to just 96 total yards, the second time they have been kept under 100 yards this season.

With the loss, Ave Maria ends the 2025 campaign with a record of 3-7 and a conference record of 2-5, matching their performance from 2024. The Gyrenes got wins over Fort Lauderdale, Thomas and, in the most thrilling game of the season, Florida Memorial. Sun Conference honorees will be announced in the coming week, including All-Conference selections and individual award winners.