FLORENCE, S.C. – A two-run bottom of the fifth inning by the host Patriots proved the be the difference in Francis Marion capturing a 3-2 Peach Belt Conference victory over the UNCP softball team in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader in Florence, S.C.

The Lady Braves (18-21, 6-11 PBC) were doomed by four errors on the defensive side while being limited to six offensive hits by the Patriots' (22-16, 7-8 PBC) duo of Cea Knox and Kayla Ellingsen, who combined to limit UNCP to two runs (one earned) with five strikeouts in seven innings of work.

UNCP junior Jamie Burwell took the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) on nine hits with three strikeouts in six innings.

After Francis Marion took a 1-0 lead on an RBI-single in the bottom of the first Inning, UNCP quickly answered in the ensuing half inning with two runs. The Lady Braves first got on the board when sophomore Holly Berry scored following her double on a throwing error by Francis Marion's second baseman in senior Morgan Patrick's at-bat. Another error by the FMU defense would prove costly, as Patrick would score from third on an error by Knox, giving UNCP a 2-1 advantage. The Lady Braves nearly put another runner across home plate, but pinch runner Hillary Jones was out at home on a sacrifice bunt attempt by sophomore Kellie Van Dyke.

An RBI-double in the bottom of the fifth inning coupled with an error by the UNCP defense allowed two runs to score for FMU, giving them a 3-2 lead.

A two-out double by senior Courtney Hill in the top of the seventh would be the last hope for UNCP to add another run, but Ellingsen would get Berry to fly out to centerfield to end the game.

Senior Lynn Grantham led the offense with a 2-for-3 effort at the dish, including a double in the top of the second inning. Berry (1-for-4), Hill (1-for-4), Patrick (1-for-3) and senior Loren Bartz (1-for-2) would each add one hit apiece for UNCP.