HIGH POINT, N.C. – Francis Marion University freshman Meagan Sheffler scored with only 18 seconds remaining in the second overtime period to secure a 2-1 win for the Patriots over High Point University, Sunday afternoon (Oct. 15) in women’s soccer action.

The dramatic win upped Francis Marion’s record to 7-5-3, while HPU (3-12-0) suffered its second straight heartbreaking loss.

Senior forward Traci Andersen gave High Point the early lead, scoring her fourth goal of the season at the 31:11 mark in the opening half. Andersen buried a touch pass from fellow senior Reine DeLaat in the middle of the box to give HPU a 1-0 advantage which they maintained at the break.

FMU junior Ashley Fortune knotted the score at 1-1 in the 58th minute of play (57:11) when she took a feed from Angela Salem and streaked through the middle of the Panther defense and then faked out HPU keeper, Marisa Abbott, in a one-on-one situation at the top of box for the easy score. It was the Bothell, Wash., native’s eighth goal of the season.

High Point saw a pair of game-winning chances go by the wayside in regulation as Leslie Long's left-footed corner kick caromed off the inside of the back post at 72:08 and then HPU had a goal disallowed on another corner kick when the Panthers were called for offsides at the 80:13 mark.

FMU’s Salem also hit the post in the 83rd minute denying the Patriots a chance to win the match in regulation.

The two squads played through a scoreless first overtime with High Point earning the only real scoring chance when Amy Anzovino had her header from the left side deflect off the post with just under two minutes left in the frame.

HPU junior Beckie Lesh appeared to have the game-winner late in the second overtime session (107:40) as she chipped a ball perfectly over the Francis Marion defense only to see the ball glance off the crossbar and out of play.

The Patriots took advantage of their fortunate bounces just minutes later when Brandi Sutphin sent a ball across the box from the right side and found the foot of Sheffler for a one-timer that beat Abbott.

Francis Marion goalkeeper Jacque Sutphin recorded 11 saves in the game as High Point out shot the Patriots 28-18, including a 12-8 advantage in shots on goal. Abbott ended the game with a career-best six saves. HPU led 9-1 in corner kicks.

FMU will travel to Washington, D.C., to play Howard University on Sunday at 1 p.m.