BOONE, SC – Forward Kelly Dodd scored following a free kick in the 28th minute to give UNC Wilmington a 1-0 win over Francis Marion University, Friday afternoon (Sept. 12) in the opening match of the Mountaineer (women’s soccer) Invitational hosted by Appalachian State University.

Francis Marion suffers its fourth shutout of 2008 and falls to 0-6-0 against a brutal early-season schedule. UNCW improves to 2-3-1. The Patriots will play the host Mountaineers on Sunday at 3 p.m.

A foul against the Patriots resulted in the deciding free kick. Erin Pardini took the kick and the played the ball to Sydney Rigsbee who crossed it to Dodd. Dodd’s headed the ball into the net at 27:38 for the only score.

FMU junior goalkeeper Emily Brandenburg recorded eight saves as the Patriots were outshot 17-2. Chandler Follett made one stop for the Seahawks. UNCW also took all four of the match’s corner kicks.

Taylor Jenkins’ shot in the 60th minute went wide for the Patriots, and Follett stopped Kiley Williams’ attempt at 82:01.