October 8, 1997
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- In just a season and a half of play, Furman sophomore Melissa Sutton has made her mark on the women's soccer program. Though she has played in only 33 career matches, Sutton now ranks as Furman's all-time leading scorer with 15 career goals and 15 career assists.
Melissa's contribution to the Lady Paladin program this season has been critical. Sutton can claim the game-winning goal or the game-winning assist in six of Furman's seven victories this season. Most recently, Sutton scored the game-winner with just over a minute to play in regulation to lift the Lady Paladins to a 1-0 victory over UNC Wilmington on October 4. The shot came from 25-yards out and was placed in the upper corner of the goal. In addition, Melissa can claim last minute assists to vault Furman over Florida State, 2-1, Liberty, 1-0 (OT), and Elon 2-1 (OT).
Sutton has recorded four goals and six assists through the first 12 games of 1997. Her six assists rank ninth in the Southeast Region and second in the Southern Conference.
As a freshman in 1996, Sutton claimed five Lady Paladin records, including most goals in a season (11), most points in a season (31), most goals in a game (4), most assists in a game (4), and most points in a game (10).
"Melissa is a critical component to the success of our program," said Furman head coach Brian Lee. "It is remarkable what she has accomplished in a such short period of time."
Furman holds a 7-2 overall record and is 1-1 in the Southern Conference. The Lady Paladins are in the midst of a three game winning streak, including wins over Florida State, Liberty, and UNC Wilmington.
Melissa is a 1997 graduate of Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, N.C., where she helped lead the Ravens to the 1995 NCISAA State Championship.
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