Fleet Faithful,

Friday proved to be a great day in the land of the Fleet as we started fall competitions. After Dorian forced postponement of our men's soccer game at home on Thursday versus Francis Marion, we finally got the athletic seasons underway on Friday.

Freshman cross country runner Lizzie Naval torched the field in the Erskine Invite in her collegiate debut. Lizzie's impressive individual victory led her team to a 2nd place finish and her being named Conference Carolinas "Runner of the Week." Kudos to first-year coach Dylan Anderson who had the newly designed course in wonderful shape. We are hosting another cross country meet on September 28th if you happen to be in Due West, you should definitely come check it out. We also have to give huge thanks to our football players who volunteered their time on Friday to be course monitors and guides. Our football players are quickly buying into the Fleet Way as they become an integral part of campus community.

Our women's soccer team followed up Lizzie Naval's cross country victory with a huge win at Huggins Field of their own on Friday. Junior Maddi Cole scored the match's only goal late in the contest to give the Fleet a 1-0 victory over Gulf South opponent Alabama-Huntsville. Keely Marchant picked up the shutout in her first start in goal for Erskine. The Fleet will not be home again until the 28th of September but keep your eye on this team, they are headed for an outstanding fall.

Women's volleyball got in on the winning act Friday as well. For the first time in three seasons, the Fleet picked up a road win, defeating Winston-Salem State, 3-0 on Friday evening. It was a great way to start the Kelly Burdeau era off at Erskine as the players got to enjoy a much-needed road win. The road warriors will continue their travels through September before they open up their home season in early October in Belk Arena.

Our men's soccer team lost a tough 2-0 match to a very good Clayton State team on Saturday night. The Fleet will come Wednesday for their home opener against old rival Queens University of Charlotte. Kick-off is set for 7 pm at Huggins Field. If you can't catch the game live, check us out on our webcast with commentators Grayson Reames and Caleb Shackleford calling the action on the Fleet Sports Network.

Still have plenty of spots available for the ERSKINE OPEN!  Sign up today for the tournament to be played Friday, October 4th at Star Fort Golf Course in Ninety-Six. It will be a four man's captain 's choice format with a unique twist where we will have two foursomes playing together. The link on website to sign up is:              https://erskinesports.com/documents/2019/8/9/ERSKINE_OPEN.pdf

Hope you will make plans to attend the football tailgate at 6 pm on Homecoming Saturday (October 5th). The tailgate will be followed by a football practice/scrimmage at 7 pm. Should be a fun time to get a look at this "First Class."

Have a great week. Stay connected to Erskine Athletics via the web, twitter, or Instagram. GO FLEET!  #TheFleetWay
 
Mark