October 26, 1999

FURMAN'S TURNER HAVING A BREAKTHROUGH SEASON

GREENVILLE, SC -- While the main cause for the tremendous success of the Furman women's soccer team this season may be the overall team depth and exceptional play from a number of different players, the emergence of sophomore Melissa Turner as a clutch performer has meant the world to Furman coach Brian Lee and the 1999 SoCon champion Lady Paladins.

While Turner had a strong freshman campaign with five goals and seven assists as a controlling central midfielder, the only accolade she received was second team all-conference. This season, it appears the accolades won't stop rolling in.

A two-time Southern Conference player-of-the-week, Turner became the first Furman women's soccer player to be named to the Soccer America Team-of-the-Week on October 13. This season, the Lady Paladins participated in four tournaments and Turner earned all-tournament honors at all four. In one of those tournaments, the Jacksonville/Legends Tournament, Turner was named tournament MVP.

Turner's most important contribution this season has been her clutch play as she has scored three overtime match-winning goals. Tied 2-2 with Jacksonville midway through the first overtime period, Turner's tap of a Kaye Brownlee free kick in front of the box gave the Lady Paladins the tournament title. In Southern Conference matches against Wofford and Davidson, the Lady Paladins found themselves tied after regulation, but goals by Turner early in the first overtime period of both matches ensured a perfect league finish for Furman.

Turner's versatility has also served the Lady Paladins well as she has played both defensive and offensive positions this season. For the first dozen matches of the season, Turner played primarily as a central defender, but still found a way to score big goals. Her uncanny ability to find the back of the net prompted head coach Brian Lee to move Turner to forward for the next several matches. She responded well to the change and now holds Furman's single season record for goals in a season.

"Melissa has been such a valuable player for us this season," said Furman head coach Brian Lee. "Turner, along with several other players on this team, just refuse to lose. When a match is tight, they pick up their play an extra notch."

"When I came back to school in the preseason, I was ready to go and have a great season," said Turner. "The rest of the team was ready as well and we've had a terrific season. We knew that this was going to be our year. This team is so close. No one cares who gets the credit, we are just playing as a team and focused on each goal as it comes. The team chemistry on this team is unbelievable, which is what makes it so fun to be a part of."

Furman is 15-2 on the season and has already set school records for wins, shutouts, goals, assists, and road wins this season. The Lady Paladins recently finished the Southern Conference regular season with a perfect 9-0 league mark.