BLUFFTON, S.C. — The University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team turned in its strongest effort of the season before suffering a heart-breaking 3-2 defeat in overtime against visiting Tennessee Wesleyan on Monday at Fin Land Field.
The Sand Sharks overcame a devastating early stretch in which the Bulldogs scored two goals in a span of 66 seconds and rallied to tie it early in the second half. USCB could not deliver the go-ahead goal, however, and Tennessee Wesleyan's Alexis Dalberth converted a counter attack into a breakaway for the game-winner in the 105th minute.
The defeat was a difficult blow for the Sand Sharks, who outshot the Bulldogs 36-22 and held a 23-9 edge in shots on goal, carrying over their spirited play from the second half of Saturday's 3-2 loss to Truett-McConnell.
"The girls showed a fight and desire that was first seen in the second half Saturday," USCB coach Ed Heberling said. "Our back line played extremely well, while our midfielders and forwards created numerous opportunities. Forcing 21 saves and creating 15 corner kicks shows our offensive ability. Now we just need to convert."
The Sand Sharks found themselves in an early hole after Kaitlyn Poulakis converted a penalty kick in the 11th minute and assisted on Amy Panayi's goal just over a minute later. USCB shut down Tennessee Wesleyan's attack for the rest of regulation, as senior Pascale Rocca made six saves in her first start in goal.
The Sand Sharks got on the board in the 28th minute, when Hayley Pina played a long ball for Karen Pimentel, who beat the keeper to cut the deficit in half. Pina was on the other end of the equalizer in the 58th minute, when Hanna Crist played a ball across the goal and Piña put it away at the far post.
USCB had numerous chances to win it – most notably a rocket from Alexa Muffley that goalkeeper Taylor Young was able to punch over the crossbar with a minute left in the first overtime period.
Heberling hopes to see his team again shake off a tough defeat and carry the momentum of its improved play into another home test at 4 p.m. Thursday against NCAA Division II Florida Tech.
"The team has fought hard the last game and a half and played at another level," Heberling said. "Unfortunately, the game can be so cruel. I am proud of the fight our team showed today. Their intensity and passion was noticed."
