BLUFFTON, S.C. - USCB's women's soccer celebrated its senior class prior to kickoff and honored a legend - Alexa Muffley Holt - at halftime, but the Sand Sharks fell behind early and couldn't break through a strong Lander defense losing 4-1 Saturday afternoon at Fin Land Field.

Inside the Box Score

Mari Kalvatn - one goal, seventh goal of season, 42nd career goal 

Aleah White - one assist, first career assist

Synne Bye-Andersen - one shot on goal 

Emily Worrell - 90 minutes, seven saves, four goals allowed 

How it Happened

It didn't take long for the Bearcats to get on the board, as it jumped on a USCB defensive miscue just two minutes into the game. Claire Regnault sent a ball through the Sand Shark defense and Maren White had an open net to put Lander up 1-0. 

Following the goal, the Sand Sharks settled in defensively until Romie Llwewllyn connected on a one-timer in the 31st minute to take the 2-0 lead. 

USCB started the second half with a fast-paced offensive outburst but still could not break through the strong Lander backline. Worrell and the defense thwarted an aggressive Bearcat attack over a four-minute stand, keeping the score at 2-0. 

Kalvatn gave the Sand Shark faithful something to cheer about in the 65th minute, netting a beautiful ball from White from 28-yards out. However, the lead was short lived, as Lander scored twice in 70 seconds to put the game out of reach. 

During halftime, the Sand Sharks honored the late Alexa Muffley Holt by announcing the opening of the Alexa Muffley Holt Memorial Women's Soccer Scholarship Endowment. Muffley Holt's family was present to present an initial $10,000 donation in her memory. USCB continued to honor the Sand Shark great by officially retiring her number 20 jersey, the first number to be retired in USCB Athletics history.  
 

Postgame Quotables

"This was an uncharacteristic performance and not a true reflection of our quality and season," said head coach Jay Harris. "It's disappointing, as we wanted to give our seniors a winning send off. However, the season is far from over, and we got important games coming up. We will learn from this and be better from it."

Team Records Updated

USCB - 9-5 (3-5 PBC)

Lander 5-4-5 (3-2-3 PBC)

What's Next?

The Sand Sharks will wrap up the three-game homestand against North Georgia on Wednesday. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m.