COLUMBUS, GEORGIA – The University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team faced No. 5-ranked Columbus State on Saturday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament in the 1-seed vs. 8-seed matchup.
The Sand Sharks struck first midway through the second half on a goal from Eva Craney-Barnie, but the Cougars responded with two goals late in the game to secure a 2-1 victory and advance in the tournament.
Graysen Asher started in goal for the Sand Sharks, recording seven saves in the contest. USCB finished the game with five shots, including three on goal. Eva Craney-Barnie scored the lone goal for the Sand Sharks, assisted by Kassi Martin.
Columbus State created the first scoring opportunity with two shots and a corner kick in the early portion of the game, but the Sand Shark defense, along with a save by Asher, kept the game scoreless.
Gabriela Colon helped create a scoring opportunity for USCB with the team's first shot on goal, forcing a save from the Columbus State goalkeeper. The Sand Sharks followed with a corner kick, but the Cougars held defensively to keep the game tied.
The Sand Shark defense continued to stop Columbus State's attacking efforts, including two additional saves by Asher, as both teams headed into halftime locked in a 0-0 tie.
Both teams continued to hold strong defensively to start the second half, with the score remaining 0-0 into the 68th minute. However, it was the Sand Shark attack that finally broke through for the game's opening goal.
After gaining possession, Kassi Martin carried the ball down the right side before sending a cross into the middle of the box. Eva Craney-Barnie finished the opportunity with a header into the back of the net to give USCB a 1-0 lead.
The Sand Sharks held their advantage until the 81st minute, when Columbus State found the equalizer off a goal from Payton Conti to even the score at 1-1. The Cougars struck again late in the 87th minute, as Elle Henschel scored the game-winning goal to give Columbus State a 2-1 lead.
Columbus State held on for the 2-1 victory, completing the comeback.
USCB finishes the season with a 6-10-2 overall record and a 2-5-2 mark in Peach Belt Conference play.
Stay tuned to uscbathletics.com and follow Sand Shark Athletics on social media for the latest news, updates, and information.
