September 17, 2001

PERRI LEADING MASON RUDOLPH CHAMPIONSHIP;

FURMAN TEAM FIVE STROKES BACK IN THIRD

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Furman golfer Jennifer Perri got off to a strong start Monday in the first tournament of her senior season, shoooting 71-69 to lead Vanderbilt's Nicki Cutler by two strokes entering the final round of the Mason Rudolph Championships. In addition, the Furman team fired 296-288 and is five strokes off the lead pace of 579, set by the hosting Commodores of Vanderbilt.

Perri is at four-under after two rounds at The Legends Club Ironwood Course in Nashville, Tenn., and will try to earn medalist honors for the fifth time in her collegiate career on Tuesday. If successfull, Perri will tie LPGA Hall of Famer Betsy King for career titles at Furman.

In addition to Perri's four-under performance, junior Brandi Jackson carded rounds of 73-72 and is in sixth at one-over, while Sarah Johnston is seventh after shooting 74-72. Redshirt junior Leigh Turner is 31st with rounds of 78-75 to her credit, while Cimmie Shahan fired 84-76 and is 64th.

As a team, the Lady Paladins (584) are in third behind Vanderbilt (579) and Ohio State (583). Furman fired an even-par 288 in the competition's second round.

Furman Results

1st Jennifer Perri 71-69=140

6th Brandi Jackson 73-72=145

7th Sarah Johnston 74-72=146

31st Leigh Turner 78-75=153

64th Cimmie Shahan 84-76=160