LAKELAND, Fla. – The USCB women's soccer team put up a strong challenge but was unable to hand host Southeastern its first loss of the season, falling 3-0 to the Fire in both teams' Sun Conference opener Thursday night. 

The Sand Sharks outshot the Fire 13-12 and produced several strong scoring chances, but Southeastern goalkeeper Sydni Brookhouser was up to the challenge and Konya Plummer notched a hat trick to account for all the scoring. 

"This was the best team we've played all season, and I felt we played well," USCB coach Ed Heberling said. "The game was even throughout, but (Plummer) was able to finish her three chances."

USCB goalkeeper Moa Johansson was able to shut down several scoring chances early on, including a one-on-one save against Alyssa Kaminski, the Sun Conference's leading goal-scorer. The Fire finally broke through in the 44th minute, when Plummer flicked a ball over a defender and ran it down before beating Johansson.

The Sand Sharks took charge early in the second half but couldn't capitalize, and Plummer was able to punch home a rebound in the 62nd minute for a 2-0 advantage. She scored again 12 minutes later, weaving through the defense to finish the hat trick. 

The Sand Sharks' 13 shots marked the second-most the Fire have allowed this season, as USCB continues to put pressure on opponents – a positive sign moving into the remainder of the conference schedule.

"I saw a lot of growth and improvement in our team tonight, and I feel confident in where we are headed," Heberling said. "We did some good things and really feel we will be successful if we can play like we did tonight." 

The Sand Sharks continue Sun Conference play at Ave Maria with an 11 a.m. kickoff Saturday.

BOJANGLES' PLAYER OF THE GAME

Hanna Crist
Junior • Midfielder • Jacksonville, Fla. 

Crist was a last-second addition to the starting lineup due to injury and gave the Sand Sharks a spark, helping control the midfield and facilitate the attack in 86 quality minutes of play.