FLORENCE, SC – Junior forward Kristina Syragakis paced Francis Marion University with six shots, but the Patriots fell 1-0 to Limestone University on Wednesday (Sept. 11) evening in non-conference women's soccer action.
 
The Patriots (0-1-1) will open Conference Carolinas league action against Southern Wesleyan University on Saturday (Sept. 14), kicking off at 4:30 p.m. on Hartzler Field.
 
FMU sophomore goalkeeper Erin Grabeel recorded two saves in 90 minutes, while allowing the one goal. Limestone's Rosemary Elliott had five stops between the posts and tallied her first win for the season.
 
With the match still scoreless, Syragakis had a turn and shoot opportunity in the box, but Elliott came up with the save at the 26:57 mark.
 
As Ellie Mills chipped a ball just over the defensive line, Berta Del Hoyo was able to drill a shot from 18 yards out to give the Saints (1-1-1) the lead at 31:20.
 
At the 38:57 mark, Syragakis feed graduate student forward Ashley Jordan in the middle of the penalty area, but her scuffed shot went just outside the left post.  Then with two minutes remaining in the half, Syragakis again had an opportunity in the box, but a heavy touch allowed Elliott to corral the ball before a shot was attempted.
 
The Patriots trailed for the remainder of the game despite scoring opportunities, as Jordan had three shots and junior midfielder Linsey Downey and junior forward Tehya Davé combined for an additional four shots.
 
Jordan's header off a Syragakis corner kick was wide in the 59th minute, Elliott stuffed a shot by Syragakis in the 61st minute, and senior defender JG Garon hit the crossbar with a free kick from 40 yards out in the 62nd minute.
 
Freshman Bryn Lahart fed Syragakis with a pass at 82:14, but the attempted chip shot cleared the goalkeeper and then sailed outside the right post.
 
Francis Marion held the advantage with 14 shots with five on frame, while Limestone registered eight shots. FMU also led in corner kicks 5-4.