Box Score
After two preseason scrimmages against larger programs and a frustrating draw in its season opener, the University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team found the result it has been seeking Saturday, as the Sand Sharks turned in a dominant performance in a 5-0 victory over visiting West Virginia Tech at Fin Land Field.
Junior midfielder Alexa Muffley was the star of the day with two goals and an assist, but the Sand Sharks got a strong effort from everyone and controlled every aspect of the match, outshooting the Golden Bears 24-3 overall and 14-0 in shots on goal.
USCB did an excellent job of controlling the ball in the midfield and kept West Virginia Tech on its heels, much like the Sand Sharks did in the second half and overtime in Friday's 2-2 tie with Johnson & Wales.
"We picked up where we left off yesterday and were able to create numerous opportunities," coach Ed Heberling said. "Our intensity never slipped. We played extremely well today."
Muffley opened the scoring in the 12th minute, burying a header in the net off a corner kick from Jessica Tooley, and the junior from Jacksonville, Fla., assisted on USCB's second goal less than five minute later, blasting a shot off the post only to see freshman Megan Benoist put it away for her first collegiate goal.
Freshman Brittany Lorentz scored her second goal in two days in the 29th minute, flicking a cross from Sarah Grace Stubbs inside the right post for a 3-0 advantage. Freshman Bridgette Noonan sent a cross into the box for Muffley's second goal in the 44th minute, and USCB led 4-0 at halftime.
The Sand Sharks capped the scoring early in the second half, as Olivia Dizon and Steph Moldenhauer assisted on Hunter Dye's first goal of the year.
"We had some beautiful goals today, which increased our confidence even more," Heberling said. "Alexa's two goals were textbook finishes, Brittany's finish from SG's cross and Benoist following up on the back post were great goals. It was nice to see the ballwork lead to Hunter's first goal of the season."
The five goals were the second-most the Sand Sharks have scored in their three-year existence and their most since a 14-1 win over Florida Christian on Sept. 17 of last season. The shutout was the seventh in program history.
"This was great for our confidence and will allow us to positively prepare for next weekend's matches against two talented teams," Heberling said.
The Sand Sharks host Milligan (Tenn.) at 4 p.m. Friday and Hastings (Neb.) at 1 p.m. Sunday.
