FLORENCE, SC – In its second season as a Conference Carolinas member, Francis Marion University opened up conference play with a gritty hard-fought 1-1 tie with Chowan University, Wednesday evening (Sept. 7) in women's soccer action.

The Patriots (1-1-2) begin a three-game road trip on Saturday (Sept. 10) against King University at 2 p.m. in Bristol, Tenn.  Following that match will be a trip to Mars Hill University on Wednesday (Sept. 14) at 5 p.m., and then a match at Lees-McRae College on Sept. 17 at 2 p.m.
 
FMU goalkeeper and reigning Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Week, Makayla Willets registered five saves in the match. Willets had to be on her toes immediately, as the Hawks were awarded a free kick in the second minute, which ultimately found its way into Willets' gloves.
 
The New York native had an incredible save off the boot of forward Regan Jackson, which was shot from the penalty kick spot and blocked by Willets. Three of her saves came in the first half, with the other two in the second stanza.
 
Chowan keeper Kiersten Peterson recorded six saves, including several diving efforts. She would have three saves in each half for the Hawks.
 
Francis Marion forward Valentina Restrepo led the Patriots with six shots, including the lone netter. The goal came off a through ball in the ninth minute that was played back by Le'Landra Jarvis past the top of the box to Restrepo, who sailed a shot over Peterson's head to the upper right corner from 23 yards out.
 
Among the other opportunities for the Patriots, was a one-on-one opportunity in the 68th minute for Jarvis that saw her shot blocked by Peterson. The play was sparked by a Restrepo through ball that found the boot of a loose Jarvis.
 
Chowan would make it even in the 65th minute after a ball was played over the top to the right sideline and eventually crossed to the middle of the box for a 6-yard shot from forward Regan Jackson. The cross for the Hawks came off the boot of midfielder Lieke Van den Akker.
 
Chowan had a few opportunities on goal besides the score, with forward Natasha Bailey nailing the crossbar in the 42nd minute.
 
FMU had a total of 12 shots and seven on-frame, while Chowan University (0-3-1) managed 11 shots, with six being on target. The Patriots also registered all four corner kicks awarded in the match.
 
Midfielders Ainara Eizaguirre and JG Garon, Jarvis, Linsey Downey, defenders Gracie Adkins and Courtney DeNoux, forward Kylie Reif, and midfielder Izzy Ashley each registered a shot for the Patriots.

 
 
Francis Marion University (1-1-2, 0-0-1) ties Chowan University (0-3-1, 0-0-1) 1-1
Date: 09/07/22      Attendance: 73
 
Goals by period           1  2  Tot
-----------------------------------------
Chowan University...   0  1 -  1
Francis Marion Unive  1  0 -  1
 
SCORING SUMMARY:
1-0.   8:16 FMU_W Restrepo, Valentina (1) (Jarvis, Le'Landra) - Through ball, played back to past top of box, 23-yard shot to upper right corner of goal
1-1.  64:20 CHOWAN Jackson, Regan (1) (Van den Akker, Lieke;Engel, Mayara) - Ball played over the top to right sideline, crossed to middle of box, 6-yard shot
 
Shots: Chowan 11, Francis Marion 12 ; Saves: Chowan 6 (Kirsten Peterson 6), Francis Marion 5 (Makayla Willets 5)