FLORENCE, SC – Freshman midfielder Madeline Ballard and senior forward Tehya Dave' netted goals on Saturday evening (Nov. 8), as the top-seeded and No. 21 ranked Francis Marion University women's soccer program shutout No. 8 seed Converse University by a 2-0 margin in the Conference Carolinas Tournament Quarterfinals hosted at Hartzler Field.

The Patriots improve to 16-1-0 while improving to 8-1-0 at Hartzler Field in their final home match of 2025. With the win, Francis Marion achieves the second-most victories in single-season program history. Converse finishes their 2025 campaign with a 7-10-3 record.

FMU advances to the championship site in Browns Summit, N.C., at Truist Soccer Complex at Bryan Park for a third consecutive year and will face No. 5 Young Harris in the Conference Carolinas Tournament Semifinals with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m.

The Patriots controlled possession in the opening minutes of the contest and grabbed the lead on their first shot of the contest in the 11th minute. Freshman defender Jaylynn Kemmerlin delivered a cross into the box from the left side that was knocked down by Dave' before Ballard stormed in with a right-footed shot from six yards out into the top-right corner of the net, 1-0. Francis Marion continued to pressure the goal with eight more shots over the next 20 minutes, with three attempts forcing saves by the Valkyrie goalkeeper. At the 33:27 mark, freshman midfielder Nalani Hunt nearly added to the lead, but her shot hit the right post as the Patriots maintained their one-goal advantage.

At the break, Francis Marion held a 12-2 shot advantage while holding a 3-1 edge in corner kicks.

FMU immediately attacked in the offensive zone to begin the second half with a shot on goal by freshman midfielder Georgia-Allen Aaron before Dave' rattled the crossbar in the 47th minute. At the 56:06 mark, sophomore defender Alana Hunt played a long pass from beyond midfield, which was deflected toward goal by Kemmerlin. Dave' collected the pass and beat the goalie one-on-one to extend the lead to 2-0 on her 11th goal of the season. The Patriots controlled the ball during the remainder of the second half and finished with 70% of possession in the match.

Junior goalkeeper Erin Grabeel tallied two saves on four shots faced in 90 minutes of play.

Dave' claims sole possession of 14th all-time in program history with 20 career goals.

The Patriots finished with a 26-4 shot advantage while boasting a 7-3 edge in corner kicks.