UNC Pembroke Women’s Soccer Defeated by Francis Marion in Conference Semifinal Showdown

Browns Summit – UNC Pembroke Women’s Soccer Falls to Francis Marion in Conference Semifinal

In a hard-fought battle on a sunny Friday afternoon, the women’s soccer team of UNC Pembroke faced off against Francis Marion University in the Conference Carolinas Tournament semifinal at the Truist Soccer Complex in Browns Summit. The game, characterized by fierce competition, ended with a 2-1 victory for the Patriots.

Decisive Moments

The match began with early action as Krystina Syragakis from Francis Marion scored just three minutes into the game. Taking advantage of a deflected shot that landed right at her feet, Syragakis found the back of the net, giving the Patriots a quick 1-0 lead.

As the game progressed, UNC Pembroke’s Anna Grossheim emerged as a standout player. Showing remarkable skill, she netted her 44th career goal with a stunning Olimpico shot during a corner kick in the 71st minute. This goal tied Grossheim with UNCP Hall of Famer Melanie Cobb for the most goals in the team’s history.

However, the excitement didn’t end there. With less than a minute to go in the game, J.G. Garon placed the Patriots back in the lead with a last-minute goal. Following a blocked shot from Syragakis, the deflection landed right in front of Garon, who made no mistake capitalizing by sending the ball into the net.

Game Statistics

14 shots, with 9 on goal, while the Patriots managed 15 shots and 8 on goal. Notably, UNC Pembroke’s goalkeeper, Anna Bass, achieved a career-high of 6 saves, showcasing her talents in front of the net.

Tournament Implications

9-4-4 overall record and drop to 5-7-5 in their all-time series against the Patriots, who improved their record to 11-2-4. Furthermore, UNC Pembroke’s disappointing result in the tournament marks their 1-7 record in Conference Carolinas Tournament matches.

Looking ahead, the Braves must now await the results of the NCAA selection process as they vie for an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament. UNC Pembroke was ranked eighth in the regional standings prior to the conference tournament, with eight available slots for the NCAA Southeast Regional. There is anticipation surrounding the game between Belmont Abbey and Francis Marion for the automatic berth.

Next Steps

The selection show is scheduled for Monday night at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on NCAA.com. UNC Pembroke’s hopes for a postseason berth rely on their performance metrics and standings in the wake of the conference tournament.

As the season progresses, both teams will look back on this semifinal match as a crucial moment in the conference landscape and a testament to the intensity of collegiate women’s soccer.

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.