November 9, 1997
GREENVILLE, SC -- Furman senior Ryan Higginbotham scored three goals as Furman claimed the 1997 Southern Conference Tournament Title with a 3-1 victory over UNC Greensboro on their home field at Eugene Stone Stadium on Sunday.
Higginbotham scored the first goal six minutes into the match as Daniel Alvarez lofted a throw-in to the far corner of the goal and Higginbotham headed the ball in. Higginbotham then scored the second goal on another header nine minutes later. The assist this time was credited to Seth Marks on a corner kick.
After taking several shots in the first half, the Spartans were able to cut into the Paladin lead at the 28:10 mark as Sappia Venn scored off a Brian Freeman assist.
Furman sealed the victory as Todd Jackson headed a loose ball to an open Higginbotham who scored early in the second half for his third goal of the contest. Higginbotham, a senior from Dallas, Texas recorded his fourth career hat trick and doubled his goal output of the season. Higginbotham was playing in just his fourth match after sustaining a knee injury that kept him out for much of the middle-part of the season.
"I am really excited for our seniors," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "They have fought really hard this season and this match was a testament to that. "
With the win, Furman improves to 14-4, while UNC Greensboro falls to 14-7. Furman will host Big South champion, Charleston Southern next weekend in an NCAA Play-in match.
Furman's Ryan Higginbotham was named tournament MVP for his four-goal performance throughout the tournament.
Scoring:
Shots On Goal: Furman -14; UNCG - 28.
Saves: Furman - 7; UNCG - 5.
Corner Kicks: Furman - 2; UNCG - 11.
Fouls: Furman - 27; UNCG - 18