FLORENCE, S.C. – Justin Kibler and Alex Blandin each scored second half goals for Francis Marion in the to defeat visiting UNCP, 2-0, in Peach Belt Conference action at FMU Soccer Field on Wednesday afternoon. 

UNCP (3-7-2, 1-4-1 PBC) was held scoreless for all 90 minutes of action despite seven shots with four shots on goal. Francis Marion (5-6-1, 2-2-0 PBC) extended its series winning streak out to three games on the strength of 15 shots, including six that went on target. The setback snapped a two-game unbeaten streak this season for the Black and Gold as well.

Andrew Brown and Brett Luccia each recorded two shots for the Braves, while goalkeeper Ryan Hanson tallied four saves in the losing effort. Hanson faced three shots on goal from Blandin who ended the game with four total shots. Clark Richeson recorded four saves for the Patriots en route to his third shutout of the season.

The Braves held Francis Marion to a scoreless first half despite a myriad of physical play that consumed the entire game. Chris Foltanski assisted Kibler for the first goal of the game 10 minutes into the second half, and then assisted Blandin on the second goal in the 82nd minute of action. UNCP was unable to come back from the two goals.

By the end of the first half, only nine combined shots had been turned in, however the second-half would prove to be different as Francis Marion outshot UNCP 10-3. The Braves finished the game with 16 fouls while the Patriots had 10.

UNCP travels to Lander (5-5-0, 3-0-0 PBC) on Saturday for another Peach Belt Conference matchup with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m.