BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — The University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team returned home Wednesday evening and earned its first Peach Belt Conference victory of the season, defeating Middle Georgia State 2-0 at Finland Field.
The Sand Sharks improved to 4-4-0 overall and 1-2 in conference play with the victory, while the Knights dropped to 2-7-1 overall and 0-3-1 in conference action. The win also snapped a three-game losing streak for USCB.
"Overall a good game in all phases I thought. Needed to get the three points at home, we played, on the front foot, and competed for all 90 minutes," stated head coach Gary Boughton
USCB controlled the match from the opening whistle, outshooting Middle Georgia State 25-2 overall and 11-2 in shots on goal.
Graysen Asher earned the start in goal and recorded two saves to secure her first individual shutout of the season and the Sand Sharks' second shutout overall.
USCB opened the scoring midway through the first half following a corner kick from Kate James. James delivered the ball into the box, where Isabella Franco redirected it past the Knights' goalkeeper to give the Sand Sharks a 1-0 lead.
The USCB defense was equally dominant in the opening 45 minutes, holding Middle Georgia State without a shot as the Sand Sharks carried their one-goal advantage into halftime.
The Sand Sharks continued to control possession and create chances throughout the second half while looking to add to their lead. Middle Georgia State created its best opportunity to equalize around the 82nd minute, but Asher came up with a key save to hold USCB's advantage.
USCB then put the match away late in the contest. Nicole Gray helped begin the attack before Lauren Carmichael delivered the ball into the box, where Sami Ruby finished with her right foot to extend the Sand Sharks' lead to 2-0.
USCB maintained control in the closing minutes to secure the shutout victory and its first conference win of the season.
The Sand Sharks will remain at home Saturday afternoon when they host Georgia College & State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Finland Field.
Stay tuned to uscbathletics.com and follow Sand Shark Athletics on social media for the latest news, updates, and information.
