University of Mount Olive

FLORENCE, S.C. — University of Mount Olive goalkeeper Josiah Jones turned in a standout performance in his first start of the season, making 14 saves against nationally ranked No. 10 Francis Marion Wednesday night at Hartzler Field.

Jones kept the Trojans within striking distance throughout the contest against one of the nation's top offensive teams, making six saves in the opening half before adding nine more after halftime. Francis Marion entered the match ranked 10th nationally in the latest United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Men's Poll and ranked among the nation's leaders in both shots per game and shots on goal per game.

The Patriots finished with 29 shots and 17 shots on target, marking the most shots and most saves recorded by an opponent against Francis Marion this season. Mount Olive's 14 saves also represented the most saves recorded against the Patriots this season.

Francis Marion opened the scoring in the 40th minute when Lucas Vila scored off an assist from Volkan Celikkol. Esteban Quintero added a second goal early in the second half to give the Patriots a 2-0 advantage.

Despite the result, Jones and the Trojans limited the nationally ranked Patriots to a .875 save percentage, the third-highest save percentage recorded against Francis Marion this season. Jones' 14-save effort helped Mount Olive produce one of the strongest defensive performances against the Patriots this season.

Mount Olive recorded three shots in the contest, with Rami Bayoumi and Abdoulaye Saine each recording a shot on target.

The Trojans return to action Saturday, Oct. 10, when they host Ferrum at 7 p.m.