September 23, 2000

FURMAN WOMEN'S SOCCER SUFFERS FIRST LOSS OF SEASON TO NO. 2 CLEMSON

CLEMSON, SC -- The 23rd ranked Furman women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season to second ranked Clemson 1-0 Saturday night in the Clemson University Invitational at Riggs Field.

The loss dropped Furman to 10-1 on the season and marked the first time in the 2000 campaign that the Lady Paladins had been held scoreless. Furman entered the match with 54 goals on the season, best in the nation.

Clemson's Deliah Arrington knocked in a deflection of her own shot at the 25:50 mark in the first half for the match's lone score.

The Lady Paladins, ranked in the top 25 for the first time in school history this week, put forth a strong effort, but were held in check by the nation's No. 2 team.

"Well, I am dissapointed we lost the match," said Furman head coach Brian Lee.  "Clemson is an extremely good team and it takes a lot to beat them.  We just didn't quite have it today.  I do feel we showed that we can compete with the second ranked team in the country.  We have come a long way in a few years in that regard."

Arrington's goal marked the first time the Lady Paladins had trailed all season.  Furman's 18  match regular season unbeaten streak came to an end Saturday night.  Furman has now won 21 of its last 23 matches dating back to last season.

Furman enters its Southern Conference schedule next  weekend as the Lady Paladins travel to Chattanooga on Friday and Western Carolina on Sunday.

Melissa Barnes, Melissa Turner, and Danielle Petro were named to the all-tournament team for the Lady Paladins. Barnes recorded 12 saves against Clemson.

Scoring:

Shots: FU - 8, CU - 37

Corner Kicks: FU - 3, CU - 4

Saves: FU - 12, CU  - 2

Fouls: FU - 12, CU - 7