BLUFFTON, S.C.- The Ave Maria University women's soccer team played their final road match of the 2019 season on Saturday afternoon, falling 4-0 to the Sand Sharks of the University of South Carolina Beaufort. USCB, who is currently in possession of the sixth and final spot in The Sun Conference tournament, scored two goals in each half to topple the Gyrenes.

USCB scored in the second minute of the match, when Allison Schaffer found Julia Cherardi for her fourth goal of the season. The goal came on the first shot of the match, just 102 seconds into play. Another goal was added by the Sand Sharks in the 17th minute on a goal from Mina Ljosland. Ljosland's third goal of the season was the final tally of the half, providing USCB with a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

The Sand Sharks scored twice in a span of 68 seconds to increase their lead to four goals in the second half. After nearly 35 minutes of scoreless play, Madeline Matusik scored in the 80th minute on assists from Hannah Salus and Isabella Jakobs. 68 seconds later, Salus scored a goal of her own on an assist from Lexi Kaeser, providing the final margin of victory for USCB.

Ave Maria was outshot 24-11 in the contest, but USCB's lead in shots on goal was just 10-8. Meghan Precord led the Gyrenes with three shots on goal, while Haley Ewing chipped in two. The other three AMU shots on goal were provided by Haley Iacona, Laura Spence, and Beth Staufenberger. Amanda Stacy made six saves in the net for the Gyrenes, while her counterpart Aryss Gomez stopped all eight AMU shots on goal in a shutout victory. 

Both of Ave Maria's final two games will be at Gyrene Field, starting on Wednesday with a matchup against Florida Memorial University. Kickoff against the Lions is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The final game of the season is set for Saturday against the Bees of SCAD-Savannah, which will also be Senior Day for the women's soccer program. That game is slated for an 11 a.m. start time.