Aug. 21, 2003

Spartanburg, S.C. - The Southern Conference women's soccer coaches have tabbed Western Carolina to finish fifth in 2003 out of the 12 conference schools. Furman, the 2002 league champion, was again picked to win the SoCon Championship in '03. The league's coaches also selected 13 players to the preseason All-Conference team, which includes Catamount senior Jordan Howell.

After finishing her sophomore year as a first team All-SoCon pick and the conference leader in scoring, Howell suffered a torn ACL for the second consecutive year midway through the 2002 season. However, she wasted no time rehabilitating her knee and is back and ready to lead the Catamounts to another victorious season in her senior year. Howell is the WCU record-holder with the most career game-winning goals (10). She also ranks second on Western's career list for goals (29), shots (171) and points (69) as well as fifth in career assists with 11. Howell is one of only two Catamounts to ever record a hat trick (three goals in one game).

The Paladins received all 11 of the available first place votes, as coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team or players. The College of Charleston received the final first place vote and came in second in the overall poll.

The Catamounts scrimmage against USC-Spartanburg this Saturday, August 23, at 3 pm, and then kick off their fall season by hosting Georgia State on Monday, September 1, at 4 pm. All attendees are asked to park by the WCU picnic area and enter the field by walking across the bridge.

2003 Women's Soccer
Preseason Poll

1. Furman (11)               121
2. College of Charleston (1)  98
3. UNC Greensboro             96
4. Georgia Southern           94
5. Western Carolina           79
6. Davidson                   78
7. Wofford                    55
8. Chattanooga                45
9. Elon                       44
10. Appalachian State         36
11. East Tennessee State      33
12. The Citadel               13

Preseason All-League Team
GK- Andie Hinshaw, Furman
D- Dawn-Marie Alfred, Appalachian State
D- Alice Martin, Furman
D- Andre'a Morrison, Furman
D- Christie Nipaver, Georgia Southern
MF- Jamie Stewart, College of Charleston
MF- Kara Koehrn, Davidson
MF- Nicky Darling, Furman
MF- Rakel Logadottir, UNC Greensboro
F- Emily Turgeon, Furman
F- Genevieve Ward, Georgia Southern
F- Cara Hammond, UNC Greensboro
F- Jordan Howell, Western Carolina