BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) women's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over Rollins College, a team currently receiving votes in the national poll. The Sand Sharks used a first-half goal and a strong defensive performance to extend their winning streak, ending Rollins four game win streak.
"I thought our effort today was great. Even as the game started to tilt a bit for them, the collective effort and energy was able to withstand their late push" stated head coach Gary Boughton.
With the win, the Sand Sharks improve to 5-0 on the season, marking just the second time in program history they've opened a season with five consecutive victories. The last time this happened was in 2022.
"Can't ask for a better non-conference start than that" said Boughton.
Goalkeepers Graysen Asher and Ciazia Powe combined for six saves, securing the team's second shutout of the season. The match winning goal came from Savanna Page, her third of the season.
USCB looked to strike early with a corner kick opportunity in the opening two minutes, but the shot went off target. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute. After an initial shot was blocked, the Sand Sharks were rewarded with a corner kick. On a second corner kick, Page headed the ball into the back of the net off a well-placed pass from Lauren Carmichael for the assist and a 1-0 lead.
The Sand Sharks nearly doubled their lead later in the half, as a cross led to a shot that struck the crossbar and went high. The score remained 1-0 at the break.
Rollins pushed for an equalizer in the second half, generating more offense than in the first. However, the Sand Sharks' defense remained composed, limiting Rollins to just four shots on goal and no corner kicks after conceding three in the first half.
"If you want to play in November, you've got to be able to win hard games, sometimes ugly. Proud of the girls for the way they finished it today" Gary Boughton stated.
The Tars' final opportunity came in the 84th minute with a free kick, but Powe came up with the save to preserve the shutout, sealing the 1-0 win over Rollins
Up next:
USCB travels to face No. 10-ranked North Georgia on Saturday afternoon, with kickoff set for 1:00 PM. The Sand Sharks return home on September 24 to host Clayton State. That match is scheduled for a 3:00 PM start.
Stay tuned to uscbathletics.com and follow Sand Shark Athletics on social media for the latest news, updates, and information.
