BLUFFTON, S.C. - To open the 2019 campaign, USCB women's soccer will host NCAA Division I opponent South Carolina State on Thursday, August 8 at 11 a.m. at Fin Land Field.

About USCB

Last year the Sand Sharks went 8-9-1 and 4-5-1 in Sun Conference play under first-year head coach Jay Harris. The squad advanced to The Sun Conference semifinals for just its second time in school history, as it defeated Thomas, 1-0, in the opening round of the postseason tournament.

USCB opened last year strong with a 3-1 record with wins over Montreat, Faulkner and Brenau. In those three victories, USCB outscored its opposition by five goals - 6-1. 

The Sand Sharks return five goal-scorers from a year ago, including Hannah Salus. The current junior netted a team-best five goals last year and ended the 2018 season with 11 points.

A key defensive player that is also returning to the pitch for the Sand Sharks is Logan Leask. The Citadel transfer started in all 18 games last year and amounted 1,628 minutes between the posts. She also finished with a 1.77 goals against average and tallied four shutouts. She also collected 156 saves, which shattered the previous single-season record held by Chelsie Mummert during the 2012 season (140 saves). 

Alongside the plethora of returners, USCB brought in 20 new faces to make an immediate impact. Of those 20 players, nine bring college soccer experience to Bluffton. There are 11 freshmen that are on the roster, as they look to join the starting lineup.

Scouting South Carolina State

SCSU went 1-11-1 last year, as it ended the year with a 3-0 victory over Shaw at home. The Bulldogs claimed a 1-1 tie on the road to rival Delaware State to end the year with four points out of the MEAC. 

This year, the Bulldogs will play three exhibitions beginning with USCB. To wrap up preseason play, the Bulldogs will also square off with The Citadel and Elon next week.

The Bulldogs have 12 returning players on the roster to go along with 10 newcomers on the 2019 roster. 

Follow It Live

Live stats for the season-opening game will be available, and that link can be found by clicking HERE.