Sand Sharks win soccer opener as emergency GK posts shutout

Hayley Pina scored on a sixth-minute free kick and Anna Gignilliat added an insurance goal as USC Beaufort opened its women’s soccer season with a dominating 2-0 victory at Life University.

The Sand Sharks also dominated on the defensive end, helping emergency goalkeeper Taylor Superior post USCB’s first shutout in a season opener. Life managed just five shots all game, with Superior called upon for two saves.

Meanwhile, the Sand Sharks peppered the Running Eagles with 28 shots, of which 16 were on frame.

“Our back line and midfield played extremely well and didn’t give Life many opportunities,” USCB coach Ed Heberling said. “I was happy to watch our team’s commitment to win and keep the clean sheet.”

Superior, pressed into goalkeeper duty both of USCB’s regulars injured, produced one spectacular save when she went horizontal to stop a second-half shot.

Pina scored from just outside the 18-yard box to put the Sand Sharks ahead, moving into a tie for second on USCB’s all-time list with her 13th career goal. Gignilliat scored in her collegiate debut when she scored off a Brittney Neser assist in the final seconds of the first half.

This story was originally published August 22, 2016 at 12:45 AM with the headline "Sand Sharks win soccer opener as emergency GK posts shutout."