GREENWOOD, SOUTH CAROLINA – The 2025 opening round of the Peach Belt Conference Soccer Playoffs featured a Saturday afternoon matchup between the Sand Sharks and Lander. After a scoreless first half, the Bearcats capitalized early in the second half to take the lead and held on for a 1–0 victory over the Sand Sharks.

"It just wasn't our day at the end of it. Lander played a great game, and in any back and forth game of soccer, all it takes is one chance here or there to make the difference" stated head coach Gary Boughton. 

With the loss, the Sand Sharks close their season with a 9-6-4 overall record and a 3-5-2 mark in conference play.

Lander outshot USC Beaufort 16–3. Sami Ruby led the Sand Sharks with two shots, including one on goal, while Sophia Willis added one attempt. Goalkeeper Ciazia Powe was the starting goalkeeper and recorded six saves.

"I'm proud of our resolve, especially this last week. Battling injuries, some adversity, just really proud of the team and eager for our future" said Gary Boughton.

The Sand Sharks had the first scoring opportunity of the match off a free kick, but Lander's Leah Coen made the save to keep the game scoreless early. At the 22-minute mark, Powe responded with a stop to her left to deny a Bearcats attempt.

USC Beaufort's defense stood strong late in the half, blocking multiple shots to send the match into halftime tied 0–0.

Lander broke through four minutes into the second half, as Lucy Bova found the back of the net to give the Bearcats a 1–0 advantage.

The Sand Sharks looked to respond with a corner kick opportunity in the 55th minute. Powe made another save late in the half this time at the 74th minute of the match keeping the game at 1-0.

In the closing minutes, both teams traded shots, Powe tallied her final save in the 87th minute before USC Beaufort had one last shot attempt but Lander was able to keep the score in their favor.

Lander held on for the 1–0 win to advance in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, while the Sand Sharks wrapped up their season with a 9-6-4 overall record.

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