BLUFFTON — Fresh off a 7-1 victory Tuesday over St. Andrews, USCB came into the conference opener with Clayton State ready to continue its three-game winning streak and didn't disappoint, putting together a complete team win, knocking off the Lakers 2-0 Saturday afternoon at Fin Land Field.
Savanna Page and Mari Kalvatn score a goal apiece and Emily Worrell made history, matching Chelsie Mummert's all-time shutout record with her 11th career shutout while notching eight saves.
"A great team performance against a quality opposition," coach Jay Harris said. "We showed tremendous composure on both sides of the ball. From the back to the front, we were resilient defensively and clinical in the transitional moments going forward."
One couldn't have had a better week than Kalvatn. The Stavanger, Norway native scored three goals, moving closer to that 50 career goal mark to go along with three assists.
"This feels like the most complete win we've had," Kalvatn said. "To get a big conference win like that is huge for us heading into next week with Georgia College and the rest of the year. We'll enjoy this one but there's still plenty of work to be done."
The Lakers controlled much of the opening minutes, attacking USCB's defense, but the Sand Shark's backline thwarted the offensive push keeping CSU off the board.
After settling in Beaufort picked up the momentum offensively, creating opportunities against Clayton State's defense. In the 12th minute, Kalvatn secured a cross from Synne Bye-Andersen off the right wing and just missed scoring with a header that the keeper just tipped out for a corner. She created another chance just 40 seconds later, as Eva Kristjansdottir sent in a cross off a corner kick and she sent it with a right foot, but the Laker's keeper grabbed the loose ball, ending the threat.
Clayton State continued to pressure USCB's defense but couldn't break through the quartet of Adrianna Martin, Marcela Shartouny, Adriane Skelton and Aleah White.
In the 35th minute, Kalvatn found a streaking Kristin Beltestad who then sent it inside the keeper's box to Page and the Houston native found the back of the net to put USCB up 1-0 heading into halftime.
CSU was pressuring the Sand Sharks to open the second half but it was Beaufort who found the opening. Just over 12 minutes into the half, Page brought the ball up past midfield and crossed it to Synne Bye-Andersen. She carried it just inside the 18-yard box before passing it to Kalvatn who sprinted past the Lakers defense and received the pass on the slide, finding the back of the net for her 47th career goal.
The Sand Sharks defense played lights out the rest of the way. Clayton State outshot USCB in the second half 8-4 but only mustered four shots on goal after the second goal was scored.
"We'll enjoy this win," Harris said. "Our focus now turns to our next game against Georgia College. It's going to be a difficult challenge, facing a quality team on the road. But we'll put the work in at practice this week and be prepared for Wednesday's content."
