The University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team kept its postseason hopes alive once again Friday, shutting out visiting Florida Memorial 2-0 at Fin Land Field to stay in the race to qualify for the Sun Conference Tournament. 

Freshman Karen Pimentel notched a goal and an assist and senior Stephanie Moldenhauer had an assist to tie teammate Alexa Muffley for the program's career lead with 25 points. Seniors Chelsie Mummert and Fred Gallman combined for a shutout as USCB (6-10, 2-6 TSC) won its second straight game following a six-game losing streak. The Sand Sharks can clinch a playoff spot with a win over visiting St. Thomas on Sunday. 

After a first half in which USCB coach Ed Heberling described his team's play as "flat and uninspired," the Sand Sharks began taking advantage of their opportunities after the break and broke the scoreless deadlock just over five minutes into the second half. After a Florida Memorial foul, Caroline Bowman quickly played the free kick ahead to Pimentel, who made a cross into the box. Moldenhauer sent it toward the right post, where Alexandria Radue redirected it for her third goal of the season. 

"In the second half, we came out ready and put the pressure on FMU," Heberling said. "Steph did a great job to find Alex for our first goal. We kept the pressure on, but their goalkeeper did a great job to keep them in the game. Our girls kept attacking." 

The Sand Sharks dominated possession throughout the match and recorded 21 corner kicks, but had a tough time converting scoring chances into goals. Lions goalkeeper Bethany Ivens made 12 saves, including a handful of spectacular diving stops, to keep it close, but the Sand Sharks made it a two-goal advantage in the 66th minute. Radue broke free for a one-on-one and Ivens brought her down in the box, earning a yellow card and giving the Sand Sharks their second penalty kick in two matches, which Pimentel converted for her third goal of the season. 

"We still need to show up ready to play for 90 minutes, but it was great to see the fight we had in the second half," Heberling said. "We've put ourselves in a position to control our destiny. Our girls have really come together the last few weeks and it shows in our play." 

The Sand Sharks host St. Thomas at 1 p.m. Sunday. St. Thomas lost 3-0 at SCAD Savannah on Friday. With a win, USCB would pull even with the Bobcats in the conference standings and would hold the tiebreaker by virtue of its head-to-head victory.