APEX — With just 13 minutes left before the end of regulation, Middle Creek sophomore Heather Carew broke through three lines of Fuquay-Varina defenders before firing a shot into the back corner of the net for what proved to be the game-winner on Wednesday.

The Mustangs' thin 1-0 lead was challenged more than a few times near the 11-minute mark, and then again with 4:45.

The Bengals, however, couldn't convert on a few close crosses and a corner kick as the Middle Creek ratcheted up their defense to hold on for the win.

"We were solid defensively. We didn't generate as much attack as we wanted to but then Heather made a big play for us," MC coach Eddie Wasdell said.

"To hold onto a lead against a tough Fuquay team with some really good players up top, that'd probably be the thing I'm most pleased with."

The first period in the Mustangs' game with Fuquay ended in a scoreless tie, with each team taking only three shots each.

The Mustangs only threatened once in the second half, but it proved to be the difference as Carew ripped in the game winner.

"Was[dell] told me to go up, I made the run, I took a bad touch but I kept going, made it through some defenders and scored," Carew said.

Carew moved to the back line this season after spending much of last year in the front, and her familiarity with being in the box showed once she had made it upfield.

"We know she has that ability, and it's just awesome she showcased it for us," Wasdell said.

Bengals coach James Mountford, whose team now sits at 3-3-1 overall and 1-3 in the Tri-Eight, said Middle Creek's back line made it hard for his team to get going offensively.

"You've got to give a lot of credit to Middle Creek. Those girls just battled the entire night and their defenders, the girls in the back, were well-organized," Mountford said.

"They didn't give us room to receive the ball or turn or do anything."

Despite the loss, Mountford said he was pleased with his team's efforts. Given the rainy conditions and slower pace of the night, it was evident one goal may be all that either team could manage.

And since it wasn't the Bengals who scored, it became the second straight 1-0 loss for Fuquay, which was fresh off a 1-0 loss to Athens Drive.

"One goal shouldn't have beaten us tonight. Our defense has played really well," Mountford said.

MC goalie Kate Beyersdorf was credited with the shutout win.

The win cements Middle Creek (4-2-1, 1-1-1 Tri-Eight) as a player in this year's Tri-Eight Conference.

The Mustangs have already tied with Apex, which currently leads the standings, and lost in the final minutes to Green Hope.

Middle Creek will have another tough task before them on April 1 when they host Athens Drive, which is currently unbeaten and unscored on in conference play.