August 21, 2003
GREENVILLE, SC -- The Furman women's soccer team was selected by the Southern Conference coaches to finish first in the league this season. The Lady Paladins also landed five players on the preseason All-Southern Conference team.
Furman received all 11 of the available first place votes as coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams. Last year's SoCon tournament runner-up College of Charleston was picked second, followed by UNC Greensboro, Georgia Southern, Western Carolina, and Davidson.
Furman finished last season 16-6-1, including a 10-0 mark in regular season league play. Furman has currently won four consecutive regular season league titles and is the defending tournament champion.
"We are flattered to be chosen first on all 11 ballots ," said Furman head coach Brian Lee. "But the season is not won in the preseason and we have a long road ahead of us to repeat as league champions. This conference is getting stronger every year and this season should be no exception."
Five Paladins also garnered preseason all-conference accolades as Andie Hinshaw, Alice Martin, Andre'a Morrison, Nicky Darling, and Emily Turgeon were all selected to the 13-member squad.
The Lady Paladins open the season on Friday, August 29 at Michigan State.
2003 Southern Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll
2003 Southern Conference Preseason All-League Team