FLORENCE, SC – Francis Marion University fought for a hard-earned 1-1 season-opening draw with USC Aiken on Sunday (Sept. 8) evening as sophomore defender Joy Brockmann recorded her second career goal on a header with 8:50 left.
 
The Patriots are back on the pitch on Wednesday (Sept. 11) for a non-conference match up against Limestone University. Kick-off is set for 4:30 p.m. at Hartzler Field.  The men's team will follow at 7 p.m. against 20th-ranked Wingate University.
 
The Pacers (0-1-1) took the lead at 22:38 as Samantha Koneval was able to score off of a free kick that eluded FMU sophomore goalkeeper Erin Grabeel. Koneval was able to capitalize on the opportunity, scoring into an open goal from five-yards out.
 
USC Aiken led 1-0 for the remainder of the first half.
 
Brockmann's goal was assisted by junior forward Kristina Syragakis' corner kick, in the 82nd minute.
 
Syragakis also paced the Patriots with seven shots, five being on frame. Her best opportunity came in the 51st minute when she got behind the USCA backline, but her 18 yard blast sailed just over the crossbar.
 
Francis Marion (0-0-1) had multiple chances to take the lead as they had 14 corner kicks compared to the Pacers' one. The Patriots also had 13 shots, while USC Aiken registered a total of four.
 
Grabeel played all 90 minutes of the contest in her debut as a Patriot and recorded one save, while USCA's Kaydence Moore tallied seven stops.  Moore punched out a first-half corner kick by FMU senior JG Garon in the 32nd minute that nearly curled into the net for an equalizing score.