FLORENCE, S.C. – Freshman back Brandi Bonifay scored her first career goal, but an own goal allowed by the Francis Marion University defense left the Patriot women with a 1-1 tie against Clayton State University, Sunday afternoon (Oct. 23) in non-conference women's college soccer action.

Francis Marion (4-7-1), in its first year as a provisional NCAA Division I member, and Clayton State (10-2-2) battled through 110 minutes of evenly played soccer.  Each squad took 11 shots, had nine corner kicks, and recorded four saves.

Bonifay scored at the 16:07 mark when she headed in a corner kick by Mollie Jones.  It marked the first time in five matches that the Patriots had scored in the opening half. Jones and four other Patriots were honored prior to the match as part of Senior Day activities.

Twice in the opening 23 minutes, FMU had opportunities to score on headers, but Laker defender Jennifer Winslett headed the ball out while standing just outside the goalline.

The score became knotted at 1-1 in the 30th minute when a cross by Clayton State sophomore Olaitan Yusuf was inadvertently knocked into the goal by a Patriot defender.

Francis Marion's best scoring opportunity of the second stanza came in the 55th minute when Clayton State goalkeeper Judith Chime tipped a shot by Morgan Harwood just over the crossbar.

In the first overtime session, Clayton State had two shots, while FMU took one.  Neither team recorded a shot in the final 10-minute overtime period.

Chime made two saves, while Patriot goalkeeper Jacque Sutphin recorded three saves.

FMU will play at the University of North Florida, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m., while Clayton State plays host to North Greenville College, Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

Soccer Game Summary (Final)    The Automated ScoreBook For Soccer

Clayton State Univ. (10-2-2) tied Francis Marion Univ. (4-7-1)  1-1

Date: Oct 23, 2005 in Florence, S.C.  Attendance: 153

Weather: Partly Cloudy, 73, NICE !

Goals by period       1  2 OT O2  Tot

-------------------------------------

Clayton State Univ..  1  0  0  0 -  1

Francis Marion Univ.  1  0  0  0 -  1

SCORING SUMMARY:

1-0  16:07 FMU Bonifay, Brandi (1) (Jones, Mollie) - Header off corner kick

1-1  29:31 CLAYTON OWN GOAL (unassisted) - Yusuf cross knocked in by FMU defender

Shots: Clayton State Univ. 11, Francis Marion Univ. 11

Saves: Clayton State Univ. 4 (Chime, Judith 2; TEAM 2), Francis Marion Univ. 4 (Sutphin, Jacque 3; TEAM 1)

Senior Day for 5 FMU seniors