STAUNTON, Va. - A first-half goal was all Mary Baldwin needed Saturday afternoon as the Fighting Squirrels blanked Brevard 1-0 in USA South conference play.

The victory strengthened MBU's bid to host a first-round game in the conference tournament. The Squirrels are now 5-2 in conference play, good for second place in the conference standings. The top four teams host first-round contests.

MBU scored in the ninth minute when Quierra Hawkins sent a pass across the top of the box to Shea Rider on the left side. Rider slotted her shot just inside the near post to beat the Brevard kepper for an early 1-0 lead.

MBU keeper Anyka Wilkin made the lead stand up with six saves, four in the second half, to record the shutout.

Mary Baldwin held a 15-10 edge in total shots and each team had six corner kicks.

The contest was the final home regular season contest for MBU seniors Wilkin and Sam Manfre.

Mary Baldwin, now 11-5-1 overall,  is back in action Tuesday night when the team travels to Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, Va., for a key conference matchup. SVU is just behind the Squirrels in the conference standings with a 4-1-1 record. Game time is 7:00 p.m.