FLORENCE, SC – The Francis Marion University women's soccer program remained in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Top 25 poll for a sixth consecutive week at No. 21 following the release of the latest rankings on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 28).

The Patriots captured the Conference Carolinas East Division and the No. 1 overall seed in the Conference Carolinas Tournament after closing out the regular season with a 15-1 mark and 12-1 record in league play.

Francis Marion begins postseason play at Hartzler Field on Saturday, Nov. 8, in the quarterfinals of the league tournament at 4 p.m. against the winner of the No. 8 Converse/ No. 9 North Greenville matchup.

The Patriots continue to sit third in the Southeast Region rankings behind No. 3 Catawba College (13-0-3) and No. 8 University of North Georgia (15-1-1), who continue to sit among the Top 10 nationally.

Defensively, FMU ranks second in NCAA Division II in shutout percentage (.875) and third overall with a .250 goals-against average after conceding just four goals this season. The Patriots posted the sixth-longest shutout streak in NCAA Division II women's soccer history at 1157:16 scoreless minutes before allowing two goals last week.

Junior goalkeeper Erin Grabeel ranks second in DII with 13 shutouts while sitting fourth with a .252 goals-against average. Senior forward Tehya Dave' is one of the top goal scorers in the Conference Carolinas with 10 goals and ranks third in the country with six game-winning goals this season. Freshman Madeline Ballard sits No. 12 in the nation with eight assists.