The University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team ran its winning streak to a school-record four games — and moved a step closer to another milestone — with a 1-0 victory over visiting Southeastern (Fla.) on Thursday at Fin Land Field. 

Megan Benoist scored in the 68th minute off an assist from fellow freshman Shannon Blair as the Sand Sharks  clinched a spot in the Sun Conference Tournament for the second straight year. USCB (8-8-1, 4-4 TSC) can finish no worse than seventh in the conference and will move into fifth — and host a quarterfinal match — if it defeats Ave Maria in the regular-season finale at 1 p.m. Saturday. 

"The girls came ready to play today and they were focused and determined to get the win," USCB coach Ed Heberling said. "Our defense played well tonight, which allowed us to build a strong attack."

The Sand Sharks didn't generate many scoring chances in the first half, as Southeastern kept USCB out of rhythm. USCB settled in after the break, though, and was able to control possession for the majority of the second half. The lone goal came when Blair made a run up the right side and sent a cross to the back post for an easy finish by Benoist — the freshman's third goal. 

Junior goalkeeper Chelsie Mummert, the reigning Sun Conference Defensive Player of the Week, made five saves to notch her second consecutive shutout and run her scoreless streak to 210 minutes. It's Mummert's fifth shutout of the season, matching last year's total. 

USCB has allowed only one goal over its last seven halves dating to a 3-2 win at Warner in which the Sand Sharks rallied from a 2-0 halftime deficit.

"Our team is still maturing and learning with each game," Heberling said. "Although we have numerous injuries, players continue to step up in vital roles. The team knows that the job is not done yet and that we still have our goals to reach."

Heberling also thanked the USCB faculty and staff members who were able to attend and be honored at halftime as part of Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day. Each player invited one faculty or staff member from the university who has made a positive impact on her college experience. The honorees were recognized at halftime and presented with mini soccer balls signed by the team. 

USCB wraps up the regular season at 1 p.m. Saturday against Ave Maria. Sinead Byrne, the team's lone senior, will be honored at her final regular-season home match.