October 29, 1999

FURMAN WOMEN'S SOCCER DOWNS #23 IOWA

GREENVILLE, SC -- Lindsey Facciolo's goal in the 13th minute proved to be enough as the Furman women's soccer team defeated #23 Iowa Friday night at Eugene Stone Soccer Stadium to improve to 17-2 on the season.

Facciolo slid the game-winner past Iowa keeper Melissa Wickert at the 13:09 mark in the six-yard box off a double assist from Melissa Sutton and Sarah Tollick.

Furman outshot Iowa 8-4 and contolled much of the play in the first half. The second half was a different story as the Lady Paladin defense came up big with several key stops. Melissa Barnes recorded her fifth shutout of the season as Furman collected its 10th record tenth shutout. Barnes made five saves on the night, while defenders Lauren Killey, Bridgett Giles, Diana Poore, and others limited the Hawkeyes' chances.

Iowa had a great chance to score in the closing seconds, but Lindsey Wolman's shot from ten yards out with 25 seconds remaining nicked the crossbar and sailed over the goal.

"This was a great win for our program," said Furman head coach Brian Lee. "I think it shows the type of team that we have. Beating a nationally ranked team from another region should help us in both the regional and national picture. More importantly, it helps us in the eyes of the NCAA Tournament committee."

With the win, Furman improves to 17-2 overall, while Iowa falls to 12-6. Furman is currently ranked eighth in the Soccer Buzz Southeast Region poll and ninth in the NSCAA Southeast Region poll. Iowa is fourth in the Great Lakes Region in both polls and 23rd in the Soccer Buzz national poll.

Furman ties a school record by winning it's eighth straight match. Junior Sarah Tollick's assist moves her into third place on Furman's all-time assists chart. The win assures Furman of a perfect home regular season record as the Lady Paladins are now 7-0 at Eugene Stone Soccer Stadium this season.

Furman opens at home in the first round of the Southern Conference tournament against Western Carolina on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Lady Catamounts are 10-7-1 overall and coached by former Paladin assistant Debbie Hensley.

Scoring:

FU - Lindsey Facciolo (Melissa Sutton, Sarah Tollick assists) 13:09

Shots: FU - 13, IOWA - 15

Corner Kicks: FU - 7, IOWA - 7

Saves: FU - 5, IOWA - 3

Fouls: FU -6, IOWA - 17