BLUFFTON, S.C. – The University of West Alabama women's soccer team battled USC Beaufort for 90 minutes Saturday morning but fell 1-0 on a late goal from the Sand Sharks at Finland Field.
The Tigers drop to 1-2-0 on the season, while USC Beaufort improves to 3-1-0.
After a scoreless opening 86 minutes, USC Beaufort broke through in the 88th minute when Nicole Gray found the back of the net off an assist from Sophia Willis, giving the Sand Sharks the only goal they would need.
West Alabama goalkeeper Yumari Hernandez kept the Tigers within striking distance throughout the contest. Hernandez recorded multiple saves in the second half, including stops on shots from Gabriela Colon, Kitty Crovo, Sophia Willis and Audrey Beck.
The Tigers continued to pressure the Sand Sharks' defense throughout the second half. Sofia Lacey, Bailee Fairley and Kya Jacobs each registered shots following halftime, with Lacey, Fairley and Jacobs all forcing saves from USC Beaufort's goalkeepers.
Jacobs created another opportunity in the 77th minute, but her shot was turned away by Addison Rollison. Fairley followed with another attempt in the 81st minute that Rollison saved.
West Alabama also generated several corner-kick opportunities in the second half as it searched for an equalizer, but the Tigers were unable to find the breakthrough.
Hernandez finished the match with another strong performance in goal, while the UWA defense held the Sand Sharks scoreless for nearly the entire contest before the late deciding goal.
The loss marks the first meeting between the two programs and the first time West Alabama has faced a team from South Carolina.
The Tigers will now return home as they prepare for their next contest.
West Alabama returns to action Friday, September 11, hosting UAH at 5 p.m. CT.
