AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's soccer team lost a hard-fought 1-0 match to Francis Marion in the home finale.

The Pacers are now 1-4-1 on the year while the Patriots improve to 4-6. 

Marianne Ross posted a corner kick in the 13^th minute of action, but USC Aiken was unable to get a shot off on the set piece. 

FMU found the back of the net at the 17:23 mark for what turned out to be the golden goal. 

In the 23^rd minute, Gressa Olson blasted a shot that was saved. Just over a minute later, she nearly found the equalizer, but her attempt was stopped.

Ross booted an attempt that sailed wide in the 29^th minute of action. 

In the second half, Charlotte Mannella had a pair of shots in less than a three-minute span that were saved. USC Aiken narrowly missed out on tying the contest when Ross fired an attempt from 30 yards out at the 78:22 mark. However, it missed just inches above the crossbar.

Mannella and Gressa Olson had two shots on goal apiece. Marianne Ross notched two shots.

For the match, Georgia Martell started and played 56:56 between the pipes. Mary Cecil played the final 33:04 in goal, registering one stop.

USC Aiken tallied six shots, including four on frame. The Patriots accounted for seven shots, with two being on target. 

The Pacers accounted for four corner kicks in the match.

The Pacers return to action Thursday, Apr. 1, when they play at Lander. The match is slated to start at 7 p.m.