Furman head coach Debbie Southern believes this year's squad has what it takes to return to the top of the Southern Conference. The goal of the team is the Southern Conference title, a title that has eluded the Lady Paladins each of the last three seasons, after claiming it each season from 1991-1994.
Last season, Furman tallied a 5-2 mark in the conference and finished third in the conference tournament. But with the return of five starters from last season, plus the addition of three projected starters this year, that goal appears to be very attainable.
"We have more depth this year than we have had in the last three years," Southern said. "I believe we can accomplish a lot, assuming we stay healthy and work together on a common goal, regardless of who is playing in the top six."
The Lady Paladins have a good mix of experienced, veteran players and young, raw talent that will hopefully propel them to a solid season. Coach Southern has once again scheduled some of the top teams in the region, but feels this team will be able to compete and finish with a winning dual match record.
In conference play, Davidson, Chattanooga, and newcomer UNC Greensboro look to supply the toughest competition, though East Tennessee State is greatly improved.
The development of the youth of this team will play a critical role in determining their success. Thanks to an excellent fall season, freshman Meredith Moore enters as the likely choice to lead the Lady Paladins singles lineup. Moore is a very talented, hard hitting freshman from Lewisville, N.C., who was ranked as high as No. 3 in North Carolina last year.
Debbie Southern is pleased to welcome back redshirt freshman Sara Rosenblum. Rosenblum was injured last fall and missed the entire season a year ago due to a knee injury. She is back at full strength and is very excited to return to action. She will contend with Moore for the No. 1 singles position.
Sophomore Jarrell Starnes, who spent much of her freshman season at No. 1 singles will likely fit near the middle of the singles lineup. Starnes has become more comfortable as a sophomore and should be successful at No. 3 or 4 thanks to her experience last season.
Southern also welcomes in her first foreign-born recruit, freshman Emelie Isaksson. Isaksson, from Ulricehamn, Sweden, has impressed Southern and her teammates with her performance and personality. Isaksson had a good fall and should also compete near the middle of the singles lineup.
With the incredible depth on this team, many players could see playing time at No.'s 5 and 6. Junior Kristi Kreye played near the top of the Paladin lineup last season while battling injuries. Senior Brannon Morris, a co-captain, has lots of experience and has won 50 matches over the past three seasons in singles and doubles. Another senior, Liz Bell, has been a strong part of the singles and doubles lineups over the past three seasons, but missed last fall while on foreign study. Junior Meg Calnon had a solid fall and tallied a 7-6 record a year ago. Junior Jen Connell is also a very good player who finished the conference regular season with a perfect 5-0 record last season. Sophomore Alix Refshauge is an excellent doubles player and looks to be a influential part of the doubles lineup this season while competing for a singles spot.
The doubles lineup, like much of the singles lineup will not be finalized until after the season starts, but Southern likes her possibilities in doubles. The only team that does appear to be set is Starnes and Rosenblum at No. 1 doubles. The tandem has been impressive this fall. The Lady Paladins as a whole, had a successful fall campaign, headlined by Meredith Moore's 8-5 singles record and Sara Rosenblum at 7-5.