November 18, 1999

Release: Upon Receipt

FURMAN SOFTBALL SIGNS FOUR

TO NATIONAL LETTERS OF INTENT

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Head Furman softball coach Bonnie Flynn announced on Thursday the signing of four prep athletes to National Letters of Intent.

LaKerah Barr is an all-state third baseman from Dunwoody High School in Stone Mountain, Ga. An honor roll student and All-American Scholar, Barr was named Best Offensive Player as a junior at Dunwoody and also plays for the Atlanta Vipers of the American Softball Association (ASA). An all-around athlete, Barr also runs track and has a third degree red belt in karate.

Tara Chapman of Ringgold, Ga., will bring experience as a middle infielder and outfielder to the Furman lineup. A student at the Girls Preparatory High School in Chattanooga, Tenn., Chapman was named all-state and is a member of the Chattanooga Mustangs ASA team.

Pitcher Kristy Goodrich holds the Ohio State record for strikeouts in a game, with 42, and is expected to further strength Furman's presence on the mound. A student at Lordstown High School in Lordstown, Ohio, Goodrich is a first-team all-league selection and was named team Most Valuable Player as a junior. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and was a participant in the Governor's Institute and Buckeye Girls State. Goodrich plays ASA ball with the Buckeye Ballbusters.

Furman's fourth and final signee has natural ties to Furman University. Catcher Karen Myers is an all-conference player at Jordan High School in Durham, N.C., where she also plays volleyball and is a peer mediator. The granddaughter of former Furman professor Dr. Albert Myers and cousin of current Furman student Eric Myers, Karen was named Best Defensive Player for Jordan High and also competes for the Carolina Flames of the ASA.

"We are very pleased to have these four young ladies join the Paladin softball team," said Flynn. "Each of them is an outstanding player in their respective positions. We know they will contribute great things to Furman on and off the softball field."