FERRUM, VA – After featuring six different goal scorers on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 20), the Francis Marion University women's soccer program cruised to a 6-0 victory at Ferrum in the Conference Carolinas play.

Freshman Madeline Ballard produced a breakout performance after tallying four points behind one goal and two assists. Senior Tehya Dave' had a multiple-point performance with one goal and one assist.

The Patriots continue their hot start to the 2025 season after improving to 4-0-0 overall while going a perfect 3-0 in divisional play. Francis Marion registered its largest scoring output in seven seasons, dating back to an 8-1 win over Columbia College in 2018. FMU returns to the pitch on Wednesday, Sept. 24, with a non-conference matchup scheduled at Lenoir-Rhyne, starting at 5 p.m.

Conference Carolinas newcomer Ferrum falls to 2-2-2 this season with a 1-2 record in league play.

In the first half, Francis Marion fired eight shots in the opening 13 minutes, including five attempts on goal. The Patriots found their breakthrough in the 24th minute as Dave' scored in her third-straight match off an assist by freshman Cora Lepper, 1-0. At the break, FMU held a significant 12-1 lead in shots with Ferrum goalkeeper Ashli Wuss collecting seven saves.

The Patriots extended their lead to 2-0 at the 57:27 mark after Ballard hit a cross in front of the goal that was fired into the right side of the net by freshman Laïla Ayup. Just under five minutes later, junior Mar Munárriz Barbero drove along the goal line before finding sophomore Chloe Pfaff, who directed a right-footed shot in the goal, 3-0. In the 76th minute, sophomore Nalani Hunt joined the offensive attack with a goal into the top-right corner of the goal, which deflected off the crossbar and into the net. FMU's lead climbed to 5-0 in the 79th minute following a left-footed strike by junior Joy Broockmann off an assist from Ballard. The Patriots tallied their final goal at the 85:37 mark after Ballard drove a goal into the top of the net off an assist by Dave'.

Junior goalkeeper Erin Grabeel recorded two saves on three shots faced and posted her third shutout of the season.

Ayup, Pfaff, and Ballard all registered their first collegiate goal in the win.

Francis Marion outshot Ferrum by a 26-3 margin while holding a 12-0 lead in corner kicks.