MISENHEIMER, NC – Despite goals from seniors Tori Whigham and Kelly Anthony, the Francis Marion University women's soccer team dropped a 4-2 road decision to Pfeiffer University, Thursday (Sept. 1) in the season opener for both programs. The game was delayed for nearly two hours by weather early in the second half.

Francis Marion will return home to entertain the University of Mount Olive for the Patriots' home opener, Sunday at 1 p.m. on Hartzler Field.  Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students.

Whigham gave FMU a 1-0 advantage at the 27:34 mark when she scored off an assist from freshman Avery Towns.  It was the 11th career score for Whigham.

Pfeiffer answered with four unanswered scores, coming in the 38th, 44th, 50th, and 85th minutes.  Kat Kelley accounted for two of the Falcon goals and assisted on a third.

Anthony produced the final score when she converted a penalty kick, her 10th career score, at the 87:48 mark.

Pfeiffer outshot Francis Marion 21-9, while both teams earned four corner kicks.

FMU junior Casey Murakami made her first collegiate start and played 56:36 in goal for the Patriots.  She allowed three goals and registered three saves.  Freshman Micahla Kitchen played the opening 33:24 of the second stanza in goal for Francis Marion and recorded five saves, while allowing one score.

Francis Marion was whistled for 12 fouls, while Pfeiffer committed 10 fouls.

After the match, second-year FMU head coach Lindsey Morgan said, "I'm proud of how our girls played tonight after switching formations this week and training something brand new. We had moments where we looked solid and clean, and then other moments where we lacked focus. We have to do a better job of staying in tune with the game the full time, no matter what distractions (weather).  We are looking forward to fixing some things this weekend and getting ready for Sunday's home opener."