FLORENCE, SC – The Francis Marion University women's soccer team rallied to defeat the University of Mount Olive 2-1 on Wednesday (Oct. 11) evening behind second-half goals from junior Ashley Jordan and sophomore Kristina Syragakis.
 
The Patriots will return to Hartzler Field on Saturday (Oct. 14) at 1 p.m. against Lee-McRae College and will celebrate Senior Day prior to kick-off.
 
Francis Marion (7-2-2, 4-1-2) and Mount Olive started the game head-to-head, both teams working relentlessly on defense. It wasn't until the 23rd minute that the first shot was recorded and the 36th minute that Mount Olive's Makenna Copely scored the first goal of the game.
 
The Patriots began the second half down by one and began applying heavy pressure to the Trojans. Jordan tied the game up in the 79th minute by burying a 23-yard free kick into the left-side netting.
 
Shortly after at the 81:14 mark, Francis Marion was given another opportunity to score. With a foul in the box, Jordan drew a penalty kick for the Patriots. With Jordan injured on the play, Syragakis was chosen to take the penalty kick and shot it into the bottom right corner for a 2-1 advantage.
 
Francis Marion outshot Mount Olive 11-5 with eight being on goal.  The Patriots doubled up the Trojans in corner kicks. 6-3.
 
Senior goalkeeper Makayla Willets, who has played every minute this season, recorded two saves.

 
 
Francis Marion Univ. (7-2-2, 4-1-2) def. Mount Olive (3-3-5, 3-2-3) 2-1
Date: 10/11/23      Attendance: 129
 
Goals by period          1  2  Tot
---------------------------------------------
Mount Olive.........       1  0 -  1
Francis Marion Univ.    0  2 -  2
 
SCORING SUMMARY:
1-0.  35:45 UMO Makenna Copley (4) (Samantha Hamrick) - Corner kick goes through traffic in box for 5 yard shot
1-1.  78:34 FMU_W Ashley Jordan (5) (unassisted) (23 yard free kick)
2-1.  81:14 FMU_W Kristina Syragakis Penalty kick
 
Shots: Mount Olive 5, Francis Marion Univ. 11 ; Saves: Mount Olive 6 (Samantha Gildner 6), Francis Marion Univ. 2 (Makayla Willets 2)