BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — The University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team closed out its regular season Saturday afternoon with a 3-2 loss to Lenoir-Rhyne in a non-conference matchup on Senior Day.
The Sand Sharks built a 2-0 second-half lead before the Bears scored three unanswered goals to secure the comeback victory. Goalkeeper Graysen Asher recorded 10 saves for the Sand Sharks.
Before kickoff, USCB honored its senior class in recognition of their contributions to the program. The eight seniors recognized included Bianca Buttler, Eva Craney-Barnie, Adriane Skelton, Anna Wandrie, Chloe White, Kristen Wiley, Kate Johnson and Kate James.
In the opening half the Sand Sharks defense was able to control the first attack by the Bears who got two shots off in the opening minutes but Asher was able to make two saves to keep the game scoreless. The Sand Sharks first opportunity was with a corner kick before a few minutes later getting the first shot on goal but the Bears' defense made the stop keeping it 0-0.
In the 29th minute the Sand Sharks had another opportunity with a shot off target followed by a shot on goal saved by the goalkeeper.
Overall in the opening half the Bears led in shots at the break in a scoreless first half, as the shots were 7-6.
After a scoreless first half, the Sand Sharks broke through in the 61st minute when Kitty Crovo delivered a pass into the front of the net, where Gabriela Colon finished for her third goal of the season to give USCB a 1-0 advantage.
The Sand Sharks doubled their lead in the 67th minute. After the Bears' goalkeeper saved an initial shot, Sophia Willis collected the rebound and fired it into the back of the net for her second goal of the season, putting USCB ahead 2-0.
Lenoir-Rhyne responded quickly, scoring in the 68th minute to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Bears continued to apply pressure and found the equalizer in the 81st minute off a free kick into the box. Just two minutes later, the visitors scored to take a 3-2 lead.
USCB looked to regain momentum in the closing minutes, but Lenoir-Rhyne held on to complete the comeback and claim the victory.
The Sand Sharks conclude the regular season with a 6-9-2 overall record and a 2-5-2 mark in conference play.
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