Francis Marion University clinched its fourth consecutive conference championship by defeating the University of Mount Olive 14-6. The Patriots achieved this victory in the second championship game of the 2026 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament, following a 9-0 win earlier that day. Despite losing to Mount Olive in the semifinals, FMU rebounded with a strong offensive performance, amassing 15 hits, including significant contributions from Paige Strickland and Mikaela Goss. This win secures their fifth consecutive invitation to the NCAA Division II Tournament with the announcement of the tournament field on May 11.

By the Numbers
  • FMU recorded a total of 15 hits in the championship game.
  • Senior Paige Strickland hit two triples, tying a single-game record for the Patriots.
  • Francis Marion scored 12 runs batted in, marking a season best.
State of Play
  • FMU is 44-11 for the season after winning the championship.
  • They will await their NCAA Division II Tournament placement announcement on May 11.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Patriots are poised to host one of the two Southeast Regional events in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Their recent momentum from the conference championship could position them well against future opponents.

Bottom Line

The victory underscores Francis Marion's dominance in the conference with a strong showing in both championship games, setting the stage for a promising NCAA tournament run. The team's offensive depth and resilience highlight their potential to compete at a high level moving forward.