Coach Andrew Burr's Postgame Interview

Carlie Couch's Postgame Interview

Greenville, S.C. – Freshman Carlie Couch and sophomore Stephanie DeVita each tallied a goal and Furman's defense notched its third consecutive shutout as the Paladins topped Georgia Southern, 2-0, in Southern Conference women's soccer action Friday night on Seagraves Field at Stone Soccer Stadium.

The win improved the Paladins to 12-3-2 overall and 6-1-1 in SoCon play.  Furman (19 pts.) continues to lead second place Elon (5-1-2, 17 pts.) by two points with Appalachian State (4-1-4, 16 pts.) holding third place.  Georgia Southern slipped to 5-9-2 overall and 3-4-1 in league play.

The Eagles' Molly Williams and the GSU cross bar proved to be the stars for much of the first half.  Williams, who totaled 11 saves on the night, made several diving stops on DeVita shots in the early going and was saved by the woodwork when Hannah Stanifer's header bounced off of the ground and rattled off of the cross bar before being cleared from danger midway through the first period.

Furman finally found the go-ahead goal from a set piece in the 44th minute.  India Robinson served a corner kick to the penalty spot the was headed forward by Alyssa Althoff.  Couch, standing near the top of the six-yard box, headed the pass inside the far left post for her eighth tally of the season at the 43:57 mark.

Georgia Southern tried to answer quickly before half, but Abria Allen's shot from eight yards missed wide and the Paladins cleared Nora El-Shami's last second corner kick.

The cross bar continued to play a role through the first 30 minutes of the second period as DeVita hit the bar and Robinson corner kick caromed off of the woodwork.  Williams also kept the Eagles alive by turning away a low, driving shot from Jamie Alexander from the top of the box.

In the 75th minute, a set piece helped Furman double the lead and take control.  Robinson played an in-swinging corner kick from the left side to the back post where DeVita headed home her 11th tally of the season and 30th career goal at the 74:35 mark.  The assist, Robinson's second of the night, upped her NCAA Division I-leading total to 15 assists this season.

Rose Hull earned her fourth shutout of the season and upped her record to 8-1-1 between the pipes while making three saves.

Furman compiled a 23-8 advantage in total shots and 13-3 edge in shots on goal.

The victory improved the Paladins to 18-0-1 in its final 19 matches versus Georgia Southern as SoCon foes.  The Eagles are leaving the league for the Sun Belt Conference in 2014.  Furman also improved to 6-0 at home this season and 18-1-2 in its last 21 matches at Seagraves Field.

The Paladins continue their homestand on Sunday when they host the Davidson Wildcats.  Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. and Furman will honor its five seniors prior to the match.

Tickets are available for Sunday's match and can be purchased at the gate for $3 for adults and $1 for children.  Furman students receive free admission with a valid Student ID.

Fans can follow live stats at www.FurmanPaladins.com and follow in-game updates on Twitter through @FurmanWSoccer.  Live streaming video with play-by-play is available through Stretch Internet at www.FurmanPaladins.com for a subscription fee.