From June 19-23 and June 26-30, USCBAthletics.com will count down the top 10 moments of the 2016-17 school year for Sand Shark Athletics. Today’s entry is No. 5 on the list.
In its first three trips to the Sun Conference Tournament, the USCB women’s soccer team gradually advanced from lopsided losses to a two-goal defeat that was tied until the final nine minutes of regulation.
With each step in the right direction, the Sand Sharks gained a level of confidence that they could compete with the upper tier of the league.
On Nov. 5, they proved it.
With a dominant defensive effort, USCB earned the first postseason win in program history, defeating rival SCAD Savannah 1-0.
“What a great win for our program and this team,” coach Ed Heberling said after the game. “I am very proud of this team and thankful for all the alumnae and fans who came out to support us.”
Karen Pimentel converted a penalty kick in the 74th minute for the lone goal, and the defense took care of the rest, limiting the Bees to five shots – three on goal – as Moa Johansson notched her fifth shutout of the season.
The Sand Sharks’ season ended with a 3-1 loss to top-seeded and third-ranked Keiser in the semifinals, but USCB finished with single-season program records for wins (10), goals scored (40), and fewest goals allowed (34).