The goals that have been difficult to produce during Sun Conference play came in bunches Sunday for the University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team, which dominated for 90 minutes in a 5-1 victory over visiting Warner at Fin Land Field.
Five different players scored goals for the Sand Sharks (5-10, 1-6 TSC), who ended a six-game losing streak and stayed alive in the race for the final spot in the Sun Conference Tournament. The five goals marked a season-high for USCB and matched a program record for goals in a conference game set last season versus Ave Maria. The Sand Sharks had totaled only three goals in their first six conference contests.
"The team showed up ready today and we were focused on the task at hand," USCB coach Ed Heberling said. "It was great to see the team get forward from the start and pressure their back line. We created so many scoring opportunities and were able to build our confidence."
The Sand Sharks controlled play early and got on the board in the fourth minute, when freshman Hayley Pina's header clanged off the crossbar but junior Alexandria Radue was there to put it away with a header of her own for her second goal of the season.
Despite dominating the first half, USCB took only a 1-0 lead into the break, but the Sand Sharks began the second half with a flourish. Sophomore Poppy Miller bent a corner kick inside the near post for her first collegiate goal less than three minutes into the half for a 2-0 advantage.
The Royals (5-6, 2-5) broke through in the 61st minute, when Jamie Murray ran down a ball up the right side and crossed it to Elizabeth Lewis, who redirected it into an open goal with her left foot. The Sand Sharks responded quickly, with senior Steph Moldenhauer putting away a pass from Madalyn Adams just 75 seconds later for her first goal of the season and the 10th of her career.
Adams got in on the action again less than three minutes later, as freshman Sarah Withers flicked on a punt from goalkeeper Chelsie Mummert and Adams ran it down for a breakaway and beat the keeper for her third goal of the season.
The Sand Sharks capped the scoring in the 74th minute, as the Warner keeper took down Pina in the box, resulting in a penalty kick that freshman Karen Pimentel drilled for her second goal. USCB's defensive effort was impressive, as well, allowing only 10 shots — five on goal.
"We were able to maintain possession and create numerous opportunities in both halves," Heberling said. "I am proud of the fight in our team. So many players stepped up and we got a great win that is huge for our team moving forward."
The Sand Sharks must win both of their remaining games — home contests at 3 p.m. Friday versus Florida Memorial and at 1 p.m. Sunday versus St. Thomas — to qualify for the Sun Conference Tournament.
