BLUFFTON, S.C. - For the fourth and final time, the USCB softball teams will play in an NAIA Opening Round. Head coach Codee Yeske and the Sand Sharks travel to Williamsburg, Kentucky to square off with Mid-South Regular Season and Tournament Champions, host and No. 1 seeded University of Cumberlands Patriots, in the second game of the Williamsburg Bracket.

Despite a 14-43 record, the Sand Sharks showed how a tough regular season schedule against NCAA Division II opponents such as Peach Belt members, number two ranked North Georgia and 21st ranked Columbus State, could do for a team aiming to make a splash one more time in the NAIA. 

"We've been playing completive softball against some of the best ranked teams in Division II," said Yeske. "So we feel that we feel that has helped us prepare for this tournament. Our goal was always to get to postseason one more time and here we are." 

USCB is coming off a magical run in the CAC Softball Championship last weekend. After going blow-for-blow against host Georgia Gwinnett, the Sand Sharks ran the table, winning three consecutive games to for a decisive game seven against the Grizzlies. 

Daryn Miller, Chloe Turner and Tamiyah Whitlock claimed all tournament honors in Lawrenceville. Miller, a sophomore out of Oviedo, Florida went 10-for-19 during the tournament whilst driving in at least two runs in three straight games. The Sand Shark's centerfielder highlighted a 13-1 victory over Crowley's Ridge, going 4-for-4 with four runs driven in and scoring four runs. 

"Ever since she (Miller) stepped foot on campus she has been a leader defensively. She's out there giving 100 percent everyday at practice and it's great to see that translate in the game both in the field and at the plate."

Turner collected three hits and an RBI over the course of the weekend and was a tough out throughout the tournament. Whitlock was a catalyst at the top of the Sand Shark's lineup. The speedy left fielder contributed six hits while starting in all five games and was perfect defensively. 

Cierra Kinlaw was the workhorse of the rotation for USCB, making five appearances while working 16 innings in the circle, striking out 10. Caylee Busbee also delivered, pitching 15.2 innings, striking out eight batters and picking up her first collegiate victory against Florida National. 

"We'll be looking to use our whole pitching staff this week and Cierra gives us that different look, coming from the left side and she's been through this at the JUCO level. If our offense can go out there and put together a big inning or two, let her settle in, that's all we can ask for." 

The Patriots are coming off its best season in the last 10 years, putting up a 44-3-1 overall record while posting a perfect 21-0 Mid-South Conference record. The No. 2 seeded, Wildcats come off second place finish in the Crossroads League finishing the year with a 40-13 regular season and 28-8 CRL record. Rounding out the four-team field, is Madonna University out of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. The Crusaders finished fourth in the WHAC putting together a 36-12 overall record and a 15-7 conference record. 

The Sand Sharks and Patriots will be joined by Indiana Wesleyan and Madonna. USCB has never played two of the three teams; hosts University of the Cumberlands and Madonna. Only two times have the Sand Sharks faced off with the Wildcats, posting a 1-1 record. 

"Some may look at our record and say 'How did they get here?' But that's okay we're definitely considered the underdogs heading into this weekend. We're not looking at who is in the other jersey, it just comes down to us executing our game plan. Our team has found its stride and we're looking forward to playing competitive softball games this week."