Furman 2-2 during first qualifier

Furman defeated Coastal Carolina and Western Carolina but fell short to UNC-Greensboro and UNC-Wilmington March 22 during the first of three Southern Conference 7s series tournaments.

In the opening game (hosted at the Citadel), the Paladins failed to generate any rhythm and committed 8 unforced turnovers to UNC-Greensboro. In the end, the Paladins came up a try-conversion short, dropping a 7-5 decision. UNC-G went on to win the tournament, finishing 4-0. Next up, Furman surrendered three first half trys to Coastal Carolina and trailed 17-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Furman, finally found some offensive holes and ran past the Chanticleers 26-17. The Paladins then overwhelmed WCU 27 -5 in their third game. In the day’s final contest, Furman ran out of steam against UNC-Wilmington, losing 24-12.

With junior Derrick Jones and freshman Miles Lerner, two of the Paladins more explosive players, remaining in Greenville with injuries, the Paladins traveled with only 8 players.

“Our fitness was improved but in the end not having any substitutes cost us against UNC-Wilmington,” said Furman Coach John Roberts. “I think we moved the ball well this weekend and showed improvement. I think we have a lot of positive things to build on as we prepare for our next tournament April 19 in Boone.”

Furman placed 6th in the tournament. The top eight teams in the SRC qualify for the SRC 7s Championships to be held April 26 at UNC-G.