THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Another strong effort ended in heartbreak for the University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team, as host Thomas scored with 10 seconds remaining in regulation to claim a 2-1 win over the Sand Sharks in Sun Conference action Friday.
Freshman Sarah Withers scored the equalizer in the 80th minute for USCB (4-8, 0-4 TSC), but the Sand Sharks were unable to clear away a corner kick in the final seconds, and Mackenzie Dolan put in the game-winner for the Night Hawks.
"This was another game where we played extremely well and stuck to the game plan," USCB coach Ed Heberling said. "We missed some opportunities that could have tilted the game in our favor."
Despite the fact Thomas (8-4, 5-0) entered the game undefeated in conference play and tied atop the North Division, the teams were evenly matched in the first half, with each registering five shots and four shots on goal.
Thomas' Jenny Hernandez broke the scoreless tie just four minutes into the second half, and the Sand Sharks failed to take advantage of several chances to even the score. The equalizer finally came when Withers intercepted a pass and placed it past the keeper for her first collegiate goal.
The match appeared destined for overtime until the Sand Sharks gave up back-to-back corner kicks, the latter of which Adrianna Johnson sent into the box for Dolan to put away for the clinching goal, spoiling one of USCB's strongest team efforts of the season.
The Sand Sharks continue Sun Conference play at 1 p.m. Sunday at second-ranked Embry-Riddle before returning to Fin Land Field for four consecutive home games to conclude the regular season.
"We keep improving with each game," Heberling said. "We have fight, a new energy, and focus. The results will come."
