DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Columbus State University Women's Soccer fought hard but narrowly lost 3–2 to undefeated, nationally ranked North Georgia on Wednesday evening at the University of North Georgia Soccer Complex.
North Georgia struck first in the 22nd minute when Grace McGill found the back of the net off assists from Nina Lopez and Kyleigh Drew, giving the Nighthawks a 1–0 lead at halftime. Columbus State generated opportunities of their own, taking six shots and forcing three saves from UNG goalkeeper Isabelle Lee, but couldn't convert before the break.
North Georgia doubled its advantage early in the second half as Bailey Oetinger scored in the 48th minute, but the Lady Cougars roared back with a quick surge.
Sarah Hungerford delivered a stellar brace, first finishing in the 65th minute off a feed from
Mia Robinson, then calmly slotting home a penalty kick just two minutes later to level the match at 2–2.
The momentum swing was short-lived, as North Georgia responded immediately. Less than a minute after Columbus State's equalizer, Blanca Cruz converted on a cross from Alex Clark and Adleigh Wheeler, reclaiming the lead for the Nighthawks at 3–2. Despite a final push and 13 total shots on the night, CSU was unable to find another breakthrough.
With the loss, Columbus State moves to (4-4-1) overall and (2-1-0) in Peach Belt Conference play, while North Georgia remains unbeaten at (8-0-1) overall and (4-0-0) in the Peach Belt.
By the Numbers
- · Shots: CSU 13 | UNG 18
- · Saves: CSU 5 (Harris) | UNG 4 (Lee)
- · Corners: CSU 5 | UNG 2
- · Fouls: CSU 9 | UNG 12
Up Next
The Lady Cougars return home to host Flagler College on Saturday, October 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the Walden Soccer Complex for their Breast Cancer Awareness Game.
