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BRACKIN LAMBERT

Women's Soccer Brackin Lambert

Soccer aims to improve in '23 after program best 2022

BLUFFTON — Following a year that saw the Sand Sharks post its best record in program history, coach Jay Harris and USCB's women's soccer team has an opportunity that no other university making the transition to NCAA DII has, competing for a conference title.
 
Back in June, the Peach Belt announced that schools in the provisional process would now be able to compete for a conference championship, despite previously being unable to do so during the transition period. If USCB should win the PBC Conference Championship this November, it would not be able to participate for a national championship per NCAA rule.
 
While satisfied with a productive year, USCB looks to improve on the 11 wins from a year ago and continue to compete at a high level.
 
"We want to take a step forward," Harris said. "If we can improve, then we've built another block to continuing to where we want to be. If we can get 12 wins that would be amazing. It's another step forward and we can continue to grow on that and get better each year."
 
All but three players who participated in last season's CAC semi-final have returned. Fifth-year senior, Mari Kalvtan, looks to add on to her numerous all-time records as she sits just six goals away from 50. The Stavanger, Norway native is the all-time leader in goals, assists, points, and game-winning goals. She sits just 25 shots away from Hayley Pina's all-time shots record. Over the course of her career, she has taken an average of 48 shots per year.
 
"I think we've got a good squad this year," said Kalvatn. "We've seen at practice that we have good chemistry with each other. I feel like we're all prepared to do well and make the postseason for the first time in the Peach Belt. I was excited regardless (of whether USCB played in postseason), but now we have something to fight for."
 
Returning to the pitch is the core of USCB's stout backfield with a slew of newcomers. Defenders, Adrianna Martin, Marcela Shartouny, Aleah White and goalkeeper Emily Worrell. All whom saw significant time on the field and aim to repeat last year's success that allowed just 0.84 goals per game. Joining the backfield are two freshman, Ashley Harford and Adriane Skelton, both who will see time on the back line.
 
Aiding in the Sand Shark's offensive attack will be sophomore transfer, Bella Esteves, from Bluefield State. She and freshman, Anna Wandrie and Kristin Wiley will solidify the midfield alongside Kalvatn and junior Kristin Beltestad. At the forward position, Synne Bye-Andersen and Savanna Page combined to score 14 goals last season and will contend with Kalvatn to be the top goal scorer this season.
 
"The core nucleus of the team has really stayed," said Harris. "We didn't lose too many players last year. We've got a great group returning, and then with the incoming freshman and transfers, it only makes us stronger. We're going to have the best squad that we've ever had."
 
USCB finished ninth in the Peach Belt last season, but Beaufort went toe-to-toe last season with the top three teams in the conference, proving they can compete with one of the top conferences in the country.
 
The Peach Belt released the Women's Soccer Preseason Poll last week and Beaufort was picked to finished seventh.
 
"It's a fair expectation based on last year, but we're excited to start the season and try to better expectations."
 
The Sand Sharks open the season hosting Shorter University. Last season, Beaufort put together a clean sheet in Rome, shutting out the Hawks 5-0. Bye-Andersen's hat trick led the way for USCB. Kickoff for Monday's contest is scheduled for 1 p.m.

 
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Players Mentioned

Emily Worrell

#00 Emily Worrell

GK
5' 8"
Sophomore
Aleah White

#6 Aleah White

D
5' 5"
Junior
Marcela Shartouny

#9 Marcela Shartouny

F
5' 4"
Junior
Synne Bye-Andersen

#10 Synne Bye-Andersen

F/MF
5' 8"
Sophomore
Kristin Beltestad

#4 Kristin Beltestad

D
5' 7"
Sophomore
Savanna Page

#27 Savanna Page

F
5' 7"
Freshman
Adrianna Martin

#29 Adrianna Martin

D/MF
5' 8"
Sophomore
Bella Esteves

#11 Bella Esteves

F/MF
5' 6"
Sophomore
Ashley Harford

#15 Ashley Harford

D
5' 9"
Freshman
Adriane Skelton

#12 Adriane Skelton

D
5' 6"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Emily Worrell

#00 Emily Worrell

5' 8"
Sophomore
GK
Aleah White

#6 Aleah White

5' 5"
Junior
D
Marcela Shartouny

#9 Marcela Shartouny

5' 4"
Junior
F
Synne Bye-Andersen

#10 Synne Bye-Andersen

5' 8"
Sophomore
F/MF
Kristin Beltestad

#4 Kristin Beltestad

5' 7"
Sophomore
D
Savanna Page

#27 Savanna Page

5' 7"
Freshman
F
Adrianna Martin

#29 Adrianna Martin

5' 8"
Sophomore
D/MF
Bella Esteves

#11 Bella Esteves

5' 6"
Sophomore
F/MF
Ashley Harford

#15 Ashley Harford

5' 9"
Freshman
D
Adriane Skelton

#12 Adriane Skelton

5' 6"
Freshman
D