October 14, 1999

FURMAN'S TURNER NAMED TO SOCCER AMERICA TEAM-OF-THE-WEEK

GREENVILLE, SC -- Furman's Melissa Turner, who has already done considerable damage to her Southern Conference opponents this season, became the first women's soccer player in Furman history to be named to the Soccer America Team-of-the-Week on Thursday. Earlier in the week, Turner was named Southern Conference player-of-the-week for the second time this season.

Turner, a sophomore from Marietta, Ga., scored five goals in two Furman wins last week. She scored twice in Furman's 3-2 come-from-behind overtime victory over Wofford, including the overtime game-winner. In Furman's 8-0 thumping of Chattanooga, Turner notched her first career hat trick.

Already this week, Turner has started to make a pitch for repeat honors from both the Southern Conference and Soccer America as she scored the game-winner in Furman's 2-1 overtime win over Davidson on Tuesday. Turner, who left the match with what appeared to be a serious leg injury, returned to score a miraculous goal one minute into the first overtime to place Furman alone atop the Southern Conference standings.

As Furman's leading goal scorer, despite playing primarily a defensive midfielder position, Turner has produced an exceptional season with 10 goals and four assists. She is only one goal away from tying the Furman single season goal record.

As an example of Turner's consistent high level of play, she was named to the all-tournament team at all four of Furman's early season tournaments, including MVP honors at the Jacksonville/Legends Tournament. Turner has scored three overtime game-winning goals this season as the Lady Paladins have won four of six overtime matches in 1999.

The Lady Paladins, having their best season in school history, are 12-2 and ranked 8th in the Southeast Region by the NSCAA and Soccer Buzz.

Soccer America Team of the Week (October 4-10)

GK - Kristen Luckenbill (Dartmouth)
D - Sharolta Nonen (Nebraska)
D - Melissa Turner (Furman)
MF - Lori Fair (North Carolina)
MF - Lori Lindsey (Virginia)
MF - Jackie Mynarski (Maryland)
MF - Anne Makinen (Notre Dame)
F - Deliah Arrington (Clemson)
F - Mandy Clemens (Santa Clara)
F - Angie Gage (Kentucky)
F - Missy Wycinski (William & Mary)