Box Score Colorado College climbed back into sole possession of second place in Conference USA with a gritty 1-0 victory over SMU on Friday afternoon at CC's Stewart Field.

While improving to 8-6-3 overall and 6-2-1 in C-USA, the Tigers knocked Southern Methodist from a tie for second into fourth and remained one point ahead of UCF, which climbed into third place with a 1-0 home-field triumph over UAB.

“We were gritty,” head coach Geoff Bennett said. “It wasn't a pretty game at times. We were gritty and we battled. We're one of the grittiest five-foot teams in the country.”

Sophomore forward Lauren DiGregorio struck for the game's only goal during the 52nd minute, racing through and around a trio of Mustang defenders before launching a bending shot from just outside the top of the box past diving goalkeeper Courtney Webb at the left post.

“It was kind of like the field just opened up and I could see my options really quickly,” said DiGregorio. “The defenders respected my ability on the ball. Everything about it felt right. When I hit it, I knew it was going in. I buried that one low and left.”

It marked the third time this season that DiGregorio, who stands 5 feet, 2 inches, accounted for the game winner in a 1-0 victory. As a team, the Tigers improved to 4-0-1 in games in which the sophomore forward found the net and 5-0-2 when she recorded at least one point.

“Digger's goal was fantastic,” Bennett said. ”She got the ball at midfield, beat three of their players and hit an absolute laser into the lower corner with her left foot. It's what she's been giving us all year. She's explosive, she's exciting, and we're lucky to have her on our team.”

Hanna Berglund finished with four saves, none of which were bigger than when she denied Courtney Smith on an indirect kick from 10 yards away in the center of the box during the 33rd minute.

“I was thinking we're lucky that we've practice that kind of free kick a lot,” Berglund said. “We all knew our roles and knew what to expect. I was coming straight off the line and charging her, and the shot bounced off my leg.”

CC's junior goalkeeper also made a diving save on Shelby Redman's drive toward the right post in the 48th minute to preserve her eighth shutout of the season. Berglund and her teammates have not allowed a goal in five conference games at Stewart Field this season.

Webb stopped seven shots for the Mustangs, including a pair by freshman forward Jessie Ayers from no more than 10 yards out near the right post early in the first half.

The Tigers finished with a 17-9 advantage in total shots and a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.

“Not only did today give us sole possession of second place, it gives us a much-needed head-to-head advantage against SMU,” Bennett said. “We're thrilled to be in second. That's where we'll try to be on Sunday after playing a very talented (University of) Tulsa team.”

Colorado College plays host to the Hurricane at noon Sunday in its final home game of the regular season.