Greenville, S.C. – Junior Isabella Gutierrez netted her first goal of the season less than seven minutes into the match and goalkeepers Nora Sampson and Addison Corn combined on a shutout as Furman blanked The Citadel, 1-0, in Southern Conference women's soccer action Sunday afternoon on Seagraves Field at Stone Soccer Stadium.
 
With the victory, Furman closed the opening weekend of league play in first place at 2-0-0 overall and 2-0-0 in the SoCon. The Citadel dipped to 6-5-2 overall and 0-2-0 in league play.
 
"Playing our second match in less than 48 hours for the first time this season, we are just happy to come away with the win," said Paladin head coach Andrew Burr, who has guided his team to a 30-2-2 record in its last 34 home games against SoCon opposition. "We were able to get the early lead and fight through fatigue to get a win against a good Citadel team."
 
Less than three minutes into the match, Kyndal Anderson was fouled in the box by The Citadel goalkeeper to earn Furman a corner kick, but Ellie Laxer's attempt missed wide. Gutierrez, a native of Statesboro, Ga., put the Paladins in front a few minutes later when she settled a ball on the left side of the box and curled a left-footed shot inside the far post at the 6:45 mark while holding off a Citadel defender.
 
Sophomore Jasmine Greene created several dangerous chances for the Paladins and freshman Nieva Gaither rattled the post with a first half shot, but Furman was forced to settle for the lone goal.
 
Sampson and Corn, who made a diving save in the second half, played 45 minutes and each and recorded one save apiece in the victory. The Citadel's Brie Sikes finished with six saves.
 
Furman posted a 16-6 advantage in shot attempts, including a 7-2 edge in shots on goal.
 
The Paladins return to action next weekend when they visit VMI on Friday afternoon before traveling to take on UNCG on Sunday.