Bluffton, S.C. – The Albany State women's soccer team dropped a conference matchup to USC Beaufort, falling 3-0 on Saturday afternoon at the USCB Soccer Field. With the loss, the Lady Golden Rams move to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in SIAC play, while the Sand Sharks improve to 5-1-1 (2-0 SIAC).
USC Beaufort wasted little time establishing momentum, scoring all three goals in the opening 23 minutes. Jenny Hesby opened the scoring in the 10th minute off an assist from Izzy Ampheltt. Just two minutes later, Ampheltt added a goal of her own with help from Kate James and Maggie Olsen. The Sand Sharks extended the lead at the 22:48 mark when Kayle Samluk converted a feed from Jasiah Pack and Ampheltt, giving USCB a commanding 3-0 advantage at halftime.
Albany State battled hard to keep the match within reach, generating eight total shots with five on target.
Jordyn Keene led the effort offensively with three shots and one on goal, while
Aixa Barrera,
Gabby Toney,
Adjoa Mensah, and
Nelia Dailey each added shots on target. In goal, Leire Rodriguez Najera turned in a strong performance with 13 saves, keeping the Sand Sharks scoreless in the second half despite relentless pressure.
While USC Beaufort held the edge in total shots (27-8) and corner kicks (10-1), the Lady Golden Rams showed resilience, especially in the second half, as they tightened defensively and created opportunities to push forward.
Up Next:
Albany State will return home for a midweek matchup against Georgia Southwestern on Wednesday, October 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the ASU Soccer Complex.
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football with all teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.
