FLORENCE, SC – In the Conference Carolinas opener, the Francis Marion University women's soccer program secured a 3-2 victory over Chowan on Saturday evening while featuring three different goal scorers.

The Patriots (2-0-0) capture back-to-back victories to begin the 2025 season and are set to continue Conference Carolinas play on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Mount Olive.

Francis Marion nearly jumped ahead in the opening five minutes of the match following a shot from freshman Cora Lepper that hit the right post. At the 28:08 mark of the first half, the Patriots grabbed a 1-0 advantage as freshman Davynn Godshall found the net off an assist by junior Joy Brockmann. Godshall has tallied two goals in her opening two appearances for the Patriots. FMU added to its lead in the 37th minute as sophomore Nalani Hunt scored her first goal of the season following a free kick into the box by freshman Laïla Ayup that was headed down by Godshall in the box, 2-0. Francis Marion went into the break with a 7-2 lead in shots and a 2-1 edge in corners.

In the second half, the Patriots quickly extended the lead to 3-0 at the 49:39 mark as senior Tehya Dave' fired in her first goal of the year following a cross into the box from freshman Madeline Ballard that was chipped into the top of the box by Lepper. The Hawks managed to answer in the 51st minute as Amy Cotton collected a 50-50 ball before scoring on the diving keeper, 3-1. Chowan ultimately cut the deficit to 3-2 at the 75:45 mark off a turnover in the box by the goalie, which was scored by Riley Donnelly.

Junior Erin Grabeel secured the win in goal for the Patriots and registered one save on seven shots faced.

Francis Marion held a 16-7 advantage in total shots while boasting a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.