The USCB women's soccer team continued its impressive start to the season Friday, turning in another dominant performance to defeat visiting Montreat (N.C.) 4-0 at Fin Land Field.

Cameron Croney-Clark notched a goal and an assist and Brittany Lorentz assisted on a pair of goals for the Sand Sharks, who unleashed a school-record 42 shots while limiting the Cavaliers to just one. 

"The girls came out and set the tone for the second straight match," USCB coach Ed Heberling said. "We have not done that in years past, and it is nice to dictate the match. The first half was a bit tough, as Montreat got numbers behind the ball and made it tough for us. Cameron's goal was great and gave us some life and confidence."

Despite controlling possession throughout the first half, the Sand Sharks were unable to break through the Cavaliers' defense until the 33rd minute. Croney-Clark took a feed from Mandy Preciado at the top of the 18-yard box, turned and floated a beautiful shot over the keeper and into the upper-left corner. 

The Sand Sharks outshot the Cavaliers 20-0 in the first half but had only a 1-0 lead at the break. USCB doubled the margin less than five minutes into the second half, though, as Croney-Clark laid off a pass to MJ Orduna, who cracked a shot just under the crossbar for a 2-0 advantage.

Swedish freshman Felicia Alpenmyr added her first collegiate goal in the 67th minute, as Brittney Neser and Lorentz threaded a pair of passes through traffic and Alpenmyr tucked a shot inside the left post to make it 3-0. 

The Sand Sharks capped the scoring in the 88th minute, when Lorentz played a long ball that Sarah Withers was able to run onto before chipping a shot over the keeper.

"In the second half we made a few adjustments to our tactics and it paid off quickly," Heberling said. "The quick goal from MJ got the team rolling, and we continued to pressure." 

USCB's defense again was dominant, limiting the Cavaliers to one shot – which Taylor Superior turned away with a diving stop to her left to preserve her second shutout in as many collegiate starts in goal. The performance of the midfield and back line ensured Superior was hardly tested for the second straight match.

"I am very proud of this team and how far we have come," Heberling said. "Our level and style of play has improved significantly, and that is a testament to our returning upperclassmen wanting more." 

The Sand Sharks will face a tough test Sunday, as No. 14 Campbellsville (Ky.) visits Fin Land for Youth Day. Kickoff is slated for noon with special activities and giveaways planned for children in attendance.
 

FIN FACTS

• The Sand Sharks won their home opener for the first time, improving to 1-4-1 all-time in their first home match of the season. 

• USCB has recorded back-to-back shutouts for the first time since October 2013. 

• USCB's six goals through two games have been scored by six different players. 

BOJANGLES PLAYER OF THE GAME

Cameron Croney-Clark
Senior • Forward • Paris, Ky.

Croney-Clark kickstarted the Sand Sharks' attack with a goal in the 33rd minute and added an assist in the second half.