April 23, 2002

FURMAN WINS NINTH STRAIGHT SOCON GOLF TITLE;

JACKSON TAKES MEDALIST HONORS; PERRI NAMED PLAYER OF THE YEAR

CHARLESTON, South Carolina -- Furman's Lady Paladin golf team won its ninth straight Southern Conference Title on Tuesday, firing a 300 to win by 12 strokes over UNC Greensboro.

Brandi Jackson, a junior from Belton, S.C., won her first collegiate tournament with a three-round, 214 total. In addition, Furman's Cimmie Shahan finished seventh and Sarah Johnston took 11th.

Furman's three-day 897 total came despite some hardships. Junior Leigh Turner was disqualified from Monday's round when she continued to use her putter after damaging it on the 11th hole. In Tuesday's final round, senior Jennifer Perri withdrew when she reinjured her wrist and was unable to continue playing.

The Southern Conference also handed out its end of the year awards on Tuesday. Perri was named the league's Player of the Year for the third straight season, while she was joined by Brandi Jackson on the All-Southern Conference team.

The Lady Paladins will find out on Monday whether they remain in the NCAA East Region and travel to Baton Rouge, La., for Regionals, or if they are sent out of region to either Michigan State or Stanford.

Furman Results

1st Brandi Jackson 70-72-72=214

7th Cimmie Shahan 78-78-74=230

11th Sarah Johnston 79-74-81=234

WD Jennifer Perri 80-75-WD=WD

DQ Leigh Turner 71-DQ-73=DQ

1st Team 298-299-300=897

SoCon Player of the Year: Jennifer Perri

All Southern Conference: Jennifer Perri and Brandi Jackson