Macon, Ga. – For the second time in three games, Nieva Gaither had four points on two goals to lead the Furman Paladins to a 4-3 victory over the Mercer Bears in Southern Conference women's soccer action, Friday evening at Betts Stadium.

Furman improves its conference winning streak to three consecutive games and moves to 9-5-1 overall and 5-3 in the SoCon. With the loss, Mercer drops to 5-5-5 on the season and 2-2-4 in conference play.

Gaither, the reigning SoCon Player of the Week, tied her career-highs of four points and two goals, previously set on October 15 against VMI. Isabella Gutierrez and Jasmine Greene each collected a goal, while Gutierrez, Camryn Bolick and Kyndal Anderson all contributed one assist. In goal, Addison Corn finished with a season-high 10 saves.

The Paladins jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half courtesy of Gaither's two goals, giving her seven for the season. The Lilburn, Ga., native put Furman on the board first in the 16^th minute on a penalty kick and followed just before halftime in the 43^rd minute scoring off the assist from Gutierrez.

The Paladins held a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Greene's fourth goal of the season in the 59^th minute, coming off the assist by Anderson, extended Furman's advantage to 3-0.

Chandler Lewis-Jenkins recorded the Bears' first goal of the contest 12 seconds later, scoring unassisted to cut the Paladins' lead down to 3-1.

Furman responded in the 63^rd minute when Gutierrez netted her fourth goal of the year with Bolick getting credit for the assist.

Mercer attempted a late rally scoring twice within six minutes to trim its deficit down to 4-3. Ally Fordham scored the first goal in the 76^th minute and Aliah Kitchens added another in the 82^nd minute.

The Bears looked to equalize over the final seven minutes attempting a total of five shots. Corn recorded a huge diving save with less than three minutes remaining off a header by Kitchens. The final attempt from Kitchens went wide of the net and the Paladins ran out the final 1:08 for the victory.

Gutierrez earned her team-leading sixth assist of the season while Bolick earned her fourth and Anderson her second.

Mercer held a 27-17 advantage in shots and 13-12 in attempts on goal. Furman led 6-5 in corner kicks.

Gaither led the Paladins with six shots including four on goal. Fordham attempted a team-leading eight shots for the Bears and Kitchens provided three attempts on net.

Furman concludes its regular season on Sunday afternoon, traveling to The Citadel for a 2 p.m. kickoff.