DUE WEST, S.C. – The Erskine College women's soccer team (1-13, 1-11 CC) earned its first win of the fall 2021 season on senior day, defeating Francis Marion University (2-15, 2-10 CC) by a score of 1-0 thanks to an overtime winner from Brittiney Gardner in the 101st minute at Huggins Field on Saturday afternoon.

THE ESSENTIALS 
Conf. Carolinas Table | Stats | Scores
Div. II Scores | Record Book | CC Digital Network
 
THE SERIES
The Fleet won the first ever meeting between the teams on Saturday.

THE MATCH
Both sides were solid defensively in the opening 45 minutes, as Erskine and Francis Marion managed just two shots in the first half. Both goalkeepers made a save in the half, meaning the match headed to the break scoreless. The Fleet's attack was more promising in the second half, as they totaled seven shots and three on target, but were unable to find the back of the net. In the final seconds of regulation, the Patriots had a corner kick and a deflected ball in the box fell right to a Francis Marion player who let off a right-footed shot that looked destined for the far corner, but Erskine goalkeeper, Abby McElveen, parried the shot onto the crossbar and the Fleet cleared the ball away, sending the match into overtime still scoreless. The Fleet were lively going forward in overtime as well, and Reagan Gibbs nearly broke the deadlock just three minutes into the extra period, but her one-on-one chance was saved. A few minutes later, the Patriots had a corner kick, which was well defended by Erskine and gave them a chance to build into attack. Gibbs received the ball off the clearance, turned upfield, and played a ball into the path of a streaking Brittiney Gardner down the right flank. Gardner beat the Patriots' defender to the ball and calmly slotted her shot over the FMU goalkeeper and into the far corner of the goal as a senior gave Erskine the victory on senior day.

THE PLAYER
Senior midfielder Brittiney Gardner played all but seven minutes of the match and had two shots on target for the Fleet, including the match-winner in the 101st minute.

THE TEAM
Erskine outshot Francis Marion 12 to six and had a six to four advantage in shots on target.
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Fleet have wrapped up Conference Carolinas play, but have two make-up matches early next week, starting with a home bout against Allen University (0-7) on Monday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. This match was originally scheduled to be the Fleet's season opener back in early September. The Fleet and Yellow Jackets have never played an official match.

MORE ABOUT THE ERSKINE COLLEGE FLYING FLEET

    Visit the Official Home of Erskine Athletics at www.erskinesports.com
  
    Follow us on Social Media – Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Photos