The 2024-25 season delivered one of the most iconic weekends in program history, as the Sand Sharks not only secured their first-ever appearance in the Peach Belt Conference Softball Tournament — but did so in stunning fashion by taking down No. 8 North Georgia in back-to-back games to win the series.

Needing just one win to clinch their spot in the PBC Tournament, USCB dropped the series opener 7-3, putting pressure on the Sand Sharks to bounce back in game two. That pressure didn't faze senior infielder Jaden Goodwin, who got things started early with an RBI single in the first inning. The Nighthawks answered with a run of their own, but local standout Alyssa Rose delivered the biggest moment of her young career — a towering three-run homer to left that gave USCB a 4-1 lead and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

USCB added another run in the third on a wild pitch, but North Georgia — a perennial DII powerhouse — wouldn't go quietly. The Nighthawks roared back with a four-run rally to tie the game at 5-5 just before a two-hour lightning delay brought the game to a halt.

For most teams, a lengthy delay could kill momentum. For USCB, it became a moment to reset.

When play resumed, senior ace Cierra Kinlaw took over. She silenced the North Georgia bats in a scoreless sixth, setting the table for a dramatic finish. Goodwin, already a hero once on the day, delivered again — launching a clutch opposite-field two-run homer to give the Sand Sharks a 7-5 lead. Kinlaw closed the door in the seventh, working around a one-out single and coaxing a flyout from Journey Roberts to even the series.

The final game turned out to be a statement.

After falling behind 2-0 early, USCB erupted for a five-run third inning. Pinch-hitter Caleigh Eubanks came through in a huge spot, lacing the first pitch she saw into left to tie the game. Goodwin stayed red-hot, ripping a two-run double down the right-field line to give the Sand Sharks a 4-2 lead, and Mariah Stephens added an insurance run by working a bases-loaded walk.

From there, the pitching staff slammed the door. Abigail Ramirez threw a scoreless frame before Kinlaw returned to record the final five outs. A pair of flyouts and a grounder back to the circle sealed the 5-2 win — and with it, a place in the record books.

For the first time in program history, USCB softball defeated an NCAA top-10 opponent in a series and, more importantly, punched its ticket to the PBC Tournament.

The dugout erupted. Teammates hugged in celebration. Years of hard work, close games, and building blocks led to this moment — a moment no Sand Shark will forget.