DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team turned in another strong defensive effort before losing 3-0 on the road against No. 2 Embry-Riddle on Sunday. 

The Sand Sharks made a strong bid to earn at least a point, but the Eagles broke through in the 73rd minute and scored twice more in a span of 84 seconds to remain unbeaten in Sun Conference play. 

Senior goalkeeper Chelsie Mummert kept the Sand Sharks in it by saving Embry-Riddle's first nine shots on goal and keeping the Eagles off the board for more than 72 minutes. 

"Chelsie stepped up with numerous big saves in the first half to keep us even — this game should go to show why she is one of the best goalkeepers in the Sun Conference," USCB coach Ed Heberling said, "and our back line continued to deny good scoring opportunities for most of the game." 

The Sand Sharks generated a few offensive chances in the second half, as Embry-Riddle shifted its tactics in an effort to score the game's first goal, but USCB was unable to capitalize. The Eagles broke the scoreless tie when Kristin Sverrisdotti's free kick from just outside the 18-yard line deflected off a USCB defender and redirected into the goal. 

As the Sand Sharks pressed forward in search of the equalizer, the Eagles countered and made it 2-0 on Andrea Froshaug's goal and put it away with a goal from Emmie Johansson less than two minutes later. 

"I'm proud of our team today," Heberling said. "We have now battled with the top five teams in our conference and are prepared for our next four games."

The Sand Sharks play their final four regular-season games at home, hosting Webber International at 3 p.m. Friday and Warner at 1 p.m. Sunday before welcoming Florida Memorial and St. Thomas the following weekend. USCB will observe Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Friday's match. 

"We continue to improve in each game and look forward to coming home to finish out the season," Heberling said. "The girls are mentally strong and ready to put forth the work to win one game at a time."