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MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - Illinois (5-1-0) continued its winning ways on Sunday, earning its fifth consecutive win with a 3-1 victory over UAB (2-3-0) at Patriots Point Stadium. Junior Nicole Breece equaled the school record with three assists, becoming the fifth Illini to accomplish the feat and first since 2003. Three different Illini - senior Jannelle Flaws, junior Amy Feher and freshman Emily Osoba - scored goals, as Illinois posted a season-high three goals for the third time this year.

"Today, we ground out the victory," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "I continue to like our grit and I will continue to challenge this team to play better soccer. Our defense is standing strong, and through grit and determination, we are limiting team's opportunities. That is the positive. Again, we still need to get better covering each other and having organized, consistent pressure in the midfield."

UI started the season 5-1-0 for the first time since 2011. Illinois' five-game winning streak is its longest since rolling off eight in a row in 2011 (Sept. 30-Oct. 29). The Illini have only allowed two goals during their streak and boast three shutouts.

"The streak means nothing now as we head into Big Ten play," Rayfield said. "Everyone is 0-0-0 and now every result and every point matters. The non-conference season has been a good test and the 5-1-0 record is a good result on that test. However, we must use those experiences to be even better as a team and as individuals as we head into conference play. The Big Ten will be a tight battle from now until November and we need to ready to go on Thursday."

Illinois jumped on the board quickly for the second straight game, grabbing a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute. Flaws volleyed it into the net off the flip throw by Breece into the box. The Glenview, Illinois, notched her team-high fourth goal.

UAB responded less than five minutes later and tied it 1-1 in the 12th minute. The contest remained tied at halftime with UI holding a 5-1 edge in shots.

The game was even until the 75th minute when Feher delivered her second game-winning goal of the season. The Copley, Ohio, native headed it into the net after Breece played it into a crowded box following a failed clearance.

Just over two minutes later, Osoba sealed the 3-1 victory with her first career goal in the 77th minute. The Orland Park, Illinois, native fired a rocket from 25 yards out into the upper corner after she rebounded the blocked shot by Breece.

Sophomore Claire Wheatley played the entire game but wasn't tested much, as the Illini defense held their opponent to two shots for the second consecutive game. The two shots allowed equals the fewest since Sept. 12, 2003, when UI did not allow a shot to Evansville. It is the fourth time Illinois has only given up two shots since then, as it also was accomplished on Oct. 27, 2006 at Iowa; Oct. 2, 2011 vs. Purdue; and Friday against College of Charleston.

The Illini finished with a 14-2 advantage in shots and have out-shot their last three opponents 60-8. Flaws led the way with four shots, putting three on frame, followed by two apiece from Breece and sophomore Casey Conine. Six different Illini each attempted one shot.

Breece added her name to an exclusive list of Illini who have tallied three assists in a game, joining Eva Strickland (2003), Tara Hurless (2002), Kelly Buszkiewicz (1998) and Rachel Smith (1997).

UI won both its games out east this weekend and had four players named to the All-College of Charleston Cup Team. Sophomore Hope D'Addario was named tournament MVP and was joined on the team by Breece, Feher and junior Reagan Robishaw.

Up Next: Illinois will begin Big Ten action next week with a pair of road games, continuing its five-game stretch away from home. The Illini will battle Iowa on Thursday (Sept. 11) and Nebraska on Sunday (Sept. 14).