Box Score Quentin M. Reed - Sports Information Graduate Assistant
MISENHEIMER, NC – The Pfeiffer Falcons (1-0) started off their 2016 season on a rainy Thursday night as they knocked off the Francis Marion Patriots (0-1) by the score of 4-2 at N.E. Lefko Field.
The Falcons gave up a first goal of the game to Francis Marion's Tori Whigam in the 27th minute of play, but the Falcons started to take control of the game before the half time intermission. In the 37th minute, Brae Buster flicked a short no look pass to Kat Kelley for her first of the season.
Right before the halftime buzzer sounded, junior Kat Kelley was on the other end as she sent a 10 yard pass to senior Hailey Havelind as the senior forward connected from just inside 20 yards away in the 43rd minute.
After the half, freshman Aryana Harvey scored an unassisted goal that gave Pfeiffer a seemingly uncontested win, going up 3-1.
At the seven minute mark in the second half, the skies opened up with lightning, thunder and rain causing an hour plus weather delay.
Teams gathered around after the weather delay to warm up and as play resumed, both teams played with heart but neither team could take advantage of their early chances.
Francis Marion could only manage two shots the entire second half of play. The Patriots starting goal keeper, Casey Murakami was replaced in the second half with Micahla Kitchen but the substitution didn't help.
In the 84th minute, Kelley rebounded a shot and scored for her second goal of the game as Pfeiffer went up 4-1.
The Patriots scored their second goal with over three minutes remaining as Kelly Anthony connected on penalty kick attempt.
Freshman Kaley Hyatt got the win for Pfeiffer and the first of her career as she had one save on nine shots.
Pfeiffer returns to action next Wednesday as they travel to Wingate for a 6 p.m. match that can be viewed on WatchESPN and the ESPN app.
