BROWNS SUMMIT, N.C. – Francis Marion University claimed their second Conference Carolinas Women’s Soccer Championship, taking the 2026 crown on Saturday afternoon. The Patriots topped UNC Pembroke 1-0 for the title.
Having fell to UNC Pembroke twice this season, Francis Marion tallied a goal late in the first half and the Patriot defense made that standup in the second. In the 43rd minute, UNC Pembroke tried to clear the ball, but it was deflected to Nalani Hunt, who beat the keeper to put the Patriots on half. The Francis Marion defense held the Braves without a shot in the first half.
In the second half, UNC Pembroke took four shots, placing to on goal, but Ryleigh Ackermann turned away both attempts to preserve the shutout. Francis Marion outshot UNC Pembroke 11-4 and earned seven corner kicks while holding the Braves to one.
Francis Marion last won the Conference Carolinas title in 2024 and finished runners-up in 2025.
Francis Marion earns the league’s automatic bid into the 2026 NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship. The selection show will air on NCAA.com on Monday, November 9 at 6:30 p.m.
2026 Conference Carolinas Women’s Soccer All-Tournament Team
MVP – Nalani Hunt, Francis Marion
Ryleigh Ackerman, Francis Marion
Camryn Bliss, Francis Marion
Bryn Lahart, Francis Marion
Laila Ayup, Francis Marion
Aubrianna Martin, UNC Pembroke
Mia Wells, UNC Pembroke
Klara Persson, UNC Pembroke
Laura Walker, Lees-McRae
Kennedy Blake, Young Harris
Builder Services of North Carolina Elite 26 Award
Jordan Bartlinski, Lees-McRae
CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE | BRACKET | LIVE VIDEO | FINAL SITE TICKETS
2026 Conference Carolinas Women's Soccer Championship
First Round – Wednesday, October 28 (Higher Seed Hosts)
No. 9 North Greenville at No. 8 Converse, 1-1 (4-3 PKs)
BOX SCORE
No. 5 Belmont Abbey def. No. 12 Southern Wesleyan, 4-1
BOX SCORE
No. 6 Mount Olive def. No. 11 Chowan, 2-0
BOX SCORE
No. 7 Barton def. No. 10 Emmanuel, 3-2 (F/OT)
BOX SCORE
Quarterfinals – Saturday, October 31 (Higher Seed Hosts)
No. 1 UNC Pembroke def. No. 9 North Greenville, 3-0
BOX SCORE
No. 4 Young Harris def. No. 5 Belmont Abbey, 1-0
BOX SCORE
No. 3 Lees-McRae def. No. 6 Mount Olive, 1-0
BOX SCORE
No. 2 Francis Marion def. No. 7 Barton, 4-0
BOX SCORE
Semifinals – Thursday, November 5 (Truist Soccer Complex at Bryan Park – Browns Summit, N.C.)
No. 1 UNC Pembroke def. No. 4 Young Harris, 2-0
BOX SCORE
No. 2 Francis Marion def. No. 3 Lees-McRae, 2-0
BOX SCORE
Final – Saturday, November 7 (Truist Soccer Complex at Bryan Park – Browns Summit, N.C.)
No. 2 Francis Marion def. No. 1 UNC Pembroke, 1-0
BOX SCORE