December 4, 2000

Release: Upon Receipt

FURMAN SOFTBALL SIGNS TWO;

SOUTH CAROLINA'S MEAGEN JOHNSON TO PLAY FOR LADY PALADINS

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman's Lady Paladin softball program has signed two high school standouts to National Letters of Intent, head coach Bonnie Flynn announced on Monday.

Meagen Johnson of Georgetown High School in Georgetown, S.C., and Jessica Matthews of Homestead, Florida's Princeton Christian School, comprise the early signing class.

Johnson is a right-handed pitcher/first baseman, who hits from the left side and has posted a .506 batting average and 0.57 ERA with five one-hitters and a perfect game at Georgetown High. She has also earned team Most Valuable Player honors and is a two-time all-state selection. In addition, Johnson is the 2000 Georgetown High nominee for the Wendy's Heisman Award, and has won two letters in volleyball and one in cross country, as well as her four softball awards. She is also an outstanding student, having won the 1999 President's Award for Educational Excellence, and is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honorary Math fraternity, and is a two-time selection to Who's Who Among American High School Students.

The Furman battery will be further strengthened by Matthew's presence behind the plate. A 2000 all-state selection, Matthews was also All-Dade County Class 4A first-team in 1999 and posted a .630 batting average as team Most Valuable Player in the 2000 season. A four year letterwinner in volleyball, basketball, and softball, Matthews was named a United States Athletic Association All-American Scholar and is a member of the National Honor Society.

"We are thoroughly pleased to have Meagen Johnson and Jessica Matthews join the Paladin softball squad next fall," said Flynn, now in her sixth season at Furman. "Both are excellent students, posses fine leadership, and are simply great young ladies. I anticipate Meagen to help us immediately on the mound and with her potent left-handed bat. Jessica's strength is that she is a very aggressive hitter. Once she gets on base she is also a smart and agile baserunner. Both young ladies will be a great compliment to our team."

Furman is coming off a 37-33 season, in which the Lady Paladins advanced to the championship game of the Southern Conference Tournament.