BLUFFTON, S.C. – The three seniors on the field for the University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team's final regular-season home game of the year made sure their Senior Day was a memorable one.

Seniors Alexa Muffley, Alexandria Radue and Pascale Rocca each played key roles in the Sand Sharks' 3-2 victory over Sun Conference rival Johnson & Wales on Saturday, moving USCB closer to securing a spot in the six-team Sun Conference Tournament – and perhaps the right to host a quarterfinal match. 

Muffley scored the day's first goal, Radue recorded and assist and scored the game-winner, and Rocca turned in another strong performance in goal as the Sand Sharks took over third place in the Sun Conference table. Radue's game-winner came in the 74th minute, less than a minute after the Wildcats had drawn even on Bailee Abrahamoff's driven free kick from 35 yards out. 

Rocca made only three saves, but her aggressive play coming off her line shut down a number of dangerous chances for the Wildcats. Both of Johnson & Wales' goals came off set pieces, as Sara Trouillot finished off a corner kick from Haylee Gordon in the 21st minute and Abrahamoff scored on a free kick in the 74th. 

"Give JWU credit for their effort today," USCB coach Ed Heberling said. "They fought hard and pressured us the entire match. Our girls were able to withstand their efforts and keep them from scoring in the run of play."

Muffley added to her USCB career leads in goals (16) and points (36) when she headed home a corner kick from Radue in the 18th minute. The Sand Sharks had several opportunities to add to the lead – including Radue's penalty kick that Wildcats keeper Jenna Boersma saved – but couldn't take advantage.

USCB regained the lead in the 55th minute, when Hayley Pina drove a shot off the bottom of the crossbar for her school-record ninth goal of the season. Abrahamoff pulled one back, but the tie was short-lived, as Pina took a long throw from Mandy Preciado and turned the defender to make a perfect cross to the back post, where Radue tapped it in. 

"We came out strong and missed a few opportunities to open up the game early," Heberling said. "We were a bit flat today, but we played well and secured an important win. The team has gained confidence and continues to improve and learn with each game." 

The Sand Sharks wrap up the regular season with road games at SCAD Savannah at 7 p.m. Thursday and at Thomas at 2 p.m. Saturday.