GREENVILLE, S.C. – A goal in the second minute was just enough for Furman (4-0-1) to get past North Florida (1-3-2) in a tightly contested non-conference tilt. Senior goalkeeper Victoria Ekeli made a game-high five saves for the Ospreys.
 
Goals
2' – Furman: Carlie Couch (Unassisted)
 
Match Summary
Furman's Carlie Couch scored the game's lone goal 1:53 into the game, her third score of the 2016 season. She was able to slip a shot into the left corner of the net on a breakaway opportunity on the first Paladin shot of the night.
 
Play evened out in the second half with each team firing seven shots, four of which went on net. Sarah Wasser, Alexis Bredeau and Katy Mixon each recorded a shot on goal for the Ospreys in the contest.  Senior Gabrielle Ligouri and sophomore Hanna Parado logged all 90 minutes in the strong North Florida defensive effort.
 
Ekeli played all 90 minutes in net for the Ospreys and made three first half saves on the potent Furman attack.
 
From Coach Confer
On the game
"Tonight was a battle. We knew going in that Furman was a historically consistent program marked with an NCAA Tournament appearance last season. They proved how tough they were tonight and we were in the game the whole night."
 
To the Future
"I think our team turned the corner tonight. I was obviously disappointed with giving up a goal in the first two minutes of the game but we showed tremendous fight and created some dangerous chances. Our second half we were a different team and put them under pressure which created opportunities in their zone. From here we just need to focus on putting the full 90 minutes together."
 
Up Next: The Ospreys will complete their South Carolina swing on Sunday when they visit Presbyterian. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in Clinton.