South Carolina Finishes Regular Season Undefeated in SEC Play

GAINESVILLE, FL – The No. 13 South Carolina Women’s Soccer team (11-1-6, 5-0-5) finished the regular season on the road Thursday, drawing 0-0 with the Florida Gators (6-5-6, 2-4-4). Despite the tie, the Gamecocks officially ended undefeated in the SEC – the first time doing so since the 2019 season. South Carolina also tied a program record of being unbeaten on the road at eight with four wins and four ties.

Both sides had something to play for in the season finale, with South Carolina looking to secure a shared regular season title with Arkansas, and the Gators looking to make it back into the SEC Tournament for the first time since 2021. The Gamecocks started off strong on the offensive side of the ball, controlling possession through the first 15 minutes. Lily Render got the first shot of the game off just two minutes in, coming just out top. Cat Barry followed suit in the 17th, tallying the first shot on goal of the night with a huge effort, but was met by a save from Florida keeper Alexa Goldberg. Corinna Zullo made a third attempt for South Carolina at the 40-minute mark, but was once again saved by Goldberg.

Defense turned on the boosters in the second half, with the Gamecocks denying a Gators’ set piece attempt just 30 seconds in, and fifth-year keeper Heather Hinz made a heart-stopping save in the 81st minute to keep things even. South Carolina would go on to take three more corners of their own, but couldn’t find the back of the net despite multiple close calls. With just five seconds remaining in the game, Barry found herself one-on-one with Goldberg after a pass from Micah Bryant and made the shot to find the back of the net, but was called offside.

The 0-0 draw marked the 12th shutout of the season and the 31st of Hinz’s career. Hinz finished the regular season allowing just four goals through SEC play, placing her at the No. 2 spot in the conference record books.

UP NEXT

The Gamecocks will head to Pensacola, FL for the 2023 SEC Tournament as the defending champions. South Carolina will play their first game on Tuesday, Oct. 31. A game time will be made available once the official seeds are announced.