FLORENCE, SC – Following the program's best start in over a quarter century, the Francis Marion University women's soccer program debuted at No. 21 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Top 25 poll on Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 30).
 
Under the direction of third-year head coach Sam Holmes, the Patriots have begun the 2025 season with a perfect 6-0-0 record, matching their best start to a year since 1998. Francis Marion last received votes in the Oct. 12, 2004, NCAA Division II poll, and the last national ranking was tied for 9th in the Oct. 21, 2002 poll.  It is worth noting that for 11 seasons during that span (2005-2015), Francis Marion competed as an NCAA Division I independent.
 
FMU returns to Conference Carolinas play tomorrow, Wednesday, with a road contest at Barton College starting at 4 p.m. The Patriots will welcome Young Harris College on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Hartzler Field with kickoff set for 1 p.m.
 
Additionally, the Patriots moved up two spots in the Southeast Region rankings to No. 3, with just the University of North Georgia and Catawba College ranked higher.
 
Francis Marion is one of the top defensive units in Division II after surrendering just two goals through six matches. The Patriots rank third in the country with a 0.833 shutout percentage and ninth in goals-against average (.333). FMU is one of only 4 unbeaten and untied teams left in Division II women's soccer.
 
Individually, junior goalkeeper Erin Grabeel ranks second in NCAA Division II with five shutouts while boasting the 11th-best goals-against average. Senior forward Tehya Dave' continues to be one of the top offensive threats, ranking fifth in game-winning goals (3) and 10th in shots on goal per game (2.50).