Bluffton, SC-- In a game where the senior class led by example, the USCB women's soccer team defeated Thomas University (Ga.) by a 3-1 margin.
The scoreless first half was a back-and-forth battle where both teams mounted several attacks that broke down in the final third. Both sides found ways to get through the middle of the field but couldn't finish their opportunities.
The second half saw a more open match that led to the first of two goals by senior
Haley Piña, when fellow senior
MJ Orduña found a hole between the center back and outside back which Piña finished one-on-one with goalkeeper Kara Houston. Orduña would again find Piña 20 minutes later on a give-and-go down the left flank where she then found the composure to pull up and float a ball over the head of Houston inside the back post. Orduña would then cap off the scoring when she found herself one-on-one inside the 18-yard box off a pass from senior
Hanna Crist via sophomore
Rileigh Olsen.
Thomas University's Olivia Taylor had the lone tally for the Nighthawks late in the game off a set piece outside the 18. Taylor placed the shot in the upper right corner.
Junior transfer
Courtney Sherry played all 90 minutes, facing 5 shots and making 4 saves.
After the match Coach
Ed Heberling said, "It was a great team win. Our seniors stepped up today and did very well. I felt we had a good week of training and the players responded well today. Piña and Orduña worked well together and their combination play made the difference. We need to play at this level on Saturday as St. Thomas will be another challenge for us."
The Sand Sharks will hit the road again when they travel to St. Thomas University (Fla.) for Saturday afternoon tilt at 2 p.m. in Miami Gardens.
*Noteworthy: With her second goal of the day, and tallied as the game-winner, Piña is now the USCB all-time leader for game-winning goals in her career at 6. Orduña is now tied with Piña as the program's leader in assists in her career--both players have 15. Orduña, with her 4 pts today and now 35 in her career, also moved into third all-time in points in her career.
