Union Pines remained undefeated in the Cape Fear Valley Conference soccer standings with a critical 2-0 victory over Gray’s Creek Monday in Cameron.

With the win, the Lady Vikings improved to 8-0 in league play to remain alone in first place — two games clear of both Southern Lee and Gray’s Creek in the loss column — and snapped the visiting Bears’ six-game winning streak in the process.

Vike captain Carly Lively had a goal and an assist in the match. She is one of the few current Union Pines players to have been part of a Lady Viking CFVC championship soccer team.

“It feels really good for us to be where we are right now in conference,” Lively said, “and I think if we keep taking it game by game we will be fine. That approach will take us further than looking ahead.

“The best way to go at this down the stretch is to try and do our best in each game, stay positive and continuing working well with each other as a team.”

Summer Armstrong had the Vikings’ other goal when she scored off a rebound on a shot by Lively in the 31st minute. Freshman forward Hannah Kiser was credited with an assist in the contest for Union Pines.

The Vikes built a 2-0 lead by intermission, having outshot the visiting Bears 7-4 in the opening half. It was in the final half that Union Pines shined, however, as the Lady Vikes placed seven of their 10 shot attempts on goal and did not allow Gray’s Creek a single shot.

Sophomore fullback Elena D’Argenio has started every game on the back line for Union Pines this season.

“In the second half, we stepped up our intensity and communication,” D’Argenio said, “and played more in tune with what we expect from ourselves as Union Pines Lady Viking soccer players.

“At this point in the season, our backline really has strong chemistry and are comfortable with each other. I am so confident whenever I do not get a ball that one of the other backs will be there to take care of it and I trust all of them completely.”

Union Pines has eight shutout victories and allowed just six goals on the season.

Another player who has been a key part of the Vikes’ success this season is junior captain Jessie Wilson. After starting the season as a center back, she has currently been playing midfield for Union Pines. Like Lively, Wilson was also a starter on the 2009 Union Pines CFVC championship soccer team.

“I think this year with the group of girls we just have such a good connection,” said Wilson. “Because of that we give each other more confidence. Also, winning the way we have gives us a boost and allows our confidence level to remain high, positive and ready to win.”

With just four CFVC games remaining, Union Pines is in first place in the league standings, while Southern Lee (11-3) is in second with a mark of 7-2, and Gray’s Creek (9-5) is third at 6-2. Overhills (6-7) occupies the fourth spot in the league at 3-5.

Now at 11-1 on the season, the Lady Vikings bring an 11-game winning streak into their next match Wednesday against CFVC foe Western Harnett (2-7, 2-5) at 7 p.m. in Lillington

Contact F.W. Manning II at frankwm2@gmail.com