Greenville, S.C. – Valentine Pursey scored twice to lead the Western Carolina Catamounts to a 3-1 victory over the Furman Paladins in Southern Conference women's soccer action, Friday evening from Stone Stadium.

Furman falls to 4-4-1 overall and 0-2 in the SoCon, while Western Carolina improves to 7-4-1 on the season and 2-1 in conference play.

The teams played to a scoreless tie at halftime before combining for three goals over a two-minute stretch early in the second half.

Pursey got the scoring started for the Catamounts just as play entered the 57^th minute, netting an unassisted goal. Alexis DeMarco made a pass in front of the Western Carolina bench to Pursey just outside the 18-yard box. The ball was deflected by a Paladin defender and Pursey got the rebound. She took one dribble and scored from 18 yards away over the head of Furman goalkeeper Nora Sampson.

Isabella Gutierrez equalized for the Paladins shortly thereafter in the 58^th minute with her second goal of the season. Furman was granted a free-kick opportunity from 21 yards out after Nieva Gaither was fouled by a Catamount defender. Gutierrez scored into the top-left corner of the net.

Western Carolina responded 23 seconds later when Pursey scored her second goal of the contest with Kirsten Hahn getting credit for the assist. Hahn received a through pass far side at the top of the 18-yard box and dribbled to the touchline between two Paladin defenders. Her pass back to the middle of the field found its way to Pursey, who spun around a Furman player and scored into the top-right corner of the net from six yards.

Abbie Lainhart extended the Catamounts lead to 3-1 in the 78^th minute with Maryanne Kilgore receiving credit for the assist. The Paladins failed to clear the ball inside their own 18-yard box and Kilgore made a quick header to Lainhart 12 yards out. Lainhart scored on the one-timer just inside the left post.

Gutierrez led Furman with four shots, including two on goal, while Gaither added three. Sampson finished with three saves.

Pursey recorded four shots for Western Carolina with three going on goal. Owens grabbed a total of three saves.

The Paladins held a 16-11 advantage in shots while the Catamounts led 6-5 in attempts on goal. Furman also led 3-2 in corner kicks.

The Paladins host East Tennessee State on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.