BLUFFTON, S.C. — The University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team settled for a 1-1 draw with visiting Bethel (Tenn.) on Sunday at Fin Land Field.
The Sand Sharks overcame an early deficit to tie it on sophomore Hayley Pina's first goal of the season but couldn't break through for the game-winner as both teams went scoreless over the final 58 minutes of regulation and 20 minutes of overtime.
After starting on the offensive in the opening minutes, USCB coach Ed Heberling felt his team's play was "flat and uninspired" for much of the first half. The Wildcats opened the scoring during that time, as Nat Tomlinson-Traill took advantage of a defensive miscue to gain a breakaway.
The Sand Sharks answered six minutes later when sophomore Mandy Preciado threaded a pass to a streaking Pina, who used her right foot to bury a shot in the upper-left corner of the net.
"We need to learn to show up on game day ready to dictate the play from the time we arrive and continue building from a strong start," Heberling said. "Going down early hurt, but the team has shown tenacity and a willingness to come back. We had lots of time and space and felt like we created numerous opportunities. We need to turn them into quality attempts."
For the second straight game, the Sand Sharks held the advantage in shots (29-15) and shots on goal (15-12), but they were unable to cash in.
One of the bright spots for USCB was the play of freshman goalkeeper Randi Anzek, who was pressed into the starting role in her collegiate debut and made nine saves to keep the Sand Sharks in the contest.
"Randi stepped up to the challenge," Heberling said. "After a defensive miscue for a goal and a few bobbles she settled in quite nicely and played with some confidence. I was happy to see the young freshman do so well."
The Sand Sharks hit the road this week for non-conference matchups against Georgia Gwinnett on Friday and Reinhardt (Ga.) on Sunday.
"The players have shown a strong commitment and have put in a lot of extra work on their own," Heberling said. "If they can continue to work outside of training those opportunities will start to hit the net."
