GAINESVILLE, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team turned in a strong effort on the road Saturday in a 1-0 defeat at Brenau, giving the Sand Sharks some positive momentum going into Sun Conference play. 

USCB was unable to break through against a strong Brenau back line and goalkeeper Ashley Spring, who registered six saves, but coach Ed Heberling was encouraged by his team's effort in its final non-conference contest.

"The girls came out ready to play and applied constant pressure," Heberling said. "The Brenau defense cleared numerous balls out of the box, as we just couldn't get on the end of the crosses."

The night's only score came in the 25th minute, when Brenau's Carly Hill was able to convert off a free kick following an initial save by USCB's Pascale Rocca. Rocca made six saves to keep the Sand Sharks in the match and USCB had several opportunities to score the equalizer but was unable to find the net.

Two of USCB's best chances came in the second half, when Spring made an athletic stop on a rebound shot from Hayley Pina and when Alexandria Radue's free kick from just outside the box sailed just over the top of the goal in the closing minutes.

"The team got back at it and worked extremely hard," Heberling said. "We looked as good as we have all season. If this effort continues the results will come."

The Sand Sharks open Sun Conference play by hosting Southeastern at 4 p.m. Thursday before welcoming conference foe Ave Maria for its Homecoming contest at 1 p.m. Saturday.