After back-to-back victories this weekend, Furman Women’s Soccer is off to a strong start as expected.
Furman (6-2-0) posted two multiple point victories, both in Friday’s 3-0 win over Kennesaw State and Sunday’s 3-1 defeat of Presbyterian College. Sophomore forward Mollie Dwyer had an outstanding two games offensively, tallying three goals overall. The Paladins’ defense also had a strong showing, prompting only three saves for senior goalie Rose Hull in the series.
SoCon preseason polls suggest a strong year for the Paladins, who sit in second and only two points behind preseason leader Samford Bulldogs. Furman also had two players named to the SoCon All Preseason Team: senior Stephanie DeVita, a two time SoCon Player of the Year, and junior forward Carlie Couch.
Both of Furman’s losses came in matchups with larger schools: a road loss to Auburn and a home match versus
Northeastern. However, the team began its season with a big 2-1 win at home over Oklahoma in 2OT. DeVita scored both goals, with the game winner coming in the 106th minute. Hull made nine saves in the game to help ward off the Sooner offense.
The hot start that the team is off to has fans asking if the Paladins can clinch another SoCon title this season. DeVita believes that with the right mentality, one focused on determination and finding ways to win, that the team is seated to do just that.
“Soccer is a strange game and any team can win on any day,” DeVita said. “So I think the team that comes out and wants it more and will do anything to win, will.”
DeVita also says she believes the 10 freshmen on the Furman roster have great potential, but that they will have to adapt to the system as the season goes on.
“We have a lot of new people, and it will take some time for everyone to understand how everyone else plays,” Devita said.
As for herself, DeVita is on par to break the record for most career goals in Furman history and potentially SoCon history as well. She says she cannot believe she has this opportunity.
“I never thought I would break that record before I got here and it’s cool that it’s happening,” DeVita said.
However, DeVita does not take all the credit for nearing this historic mark. She says this statistic also shows how great her team is at defending and keeping the ball on the attacking side of the field.
“Most of my goals are because of my teammates, so thanks to them,” Devita said.
The Paladins head to play SoCon on the road at Samford and University of Tennessee- Chattanooga Sept. 25 and 27th.