COLUMBUS | The No. 6-ranked Columbus State University women's soccer team will look to capture its fourth consecutive Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship when the Cougars host longtime conference rival University of North Georgia in the 2026 PBC Championship match at the Walden Soccer Complex.

The championship showdown marks the seventh meeting between the two programs in the PBC Tournament final, with Columbus State holding a perfect 6-0 record in the previous six championship matchups.

Columbus State enters the final seeking to continue its postseason dominance after capturing its third straight PBC Tournament title in 2025 with a 1-0 victory over North Georgia in Dahlonega.

The Cougars hold a 28-7-1 advantage in the all-time series and have won eight of the last 10 meetings against the Nighthawks.

A Rivalry Renewed
The two teams last met on Sept. 23, 2026, when Columbus State earned a thrilling 4-3 victory at home behind a hat trick from senior Shania Wegesend. The Cougars overcame a 2-1 halftime deficit, scoring three second-half goals to secure the win.

Columbus State has won the last two meetings between the programs and holds an 11-5 record against North Georgia at home.

Road to the Championship
Both teams enter the championship match undefeated in tournament play, with Columbus State outscoring its opponents 6-1 through two matches.

The Cougars opened postseason play with a 2-1 victory over USC Beaufort on Oct. 31 at the Walden Soccer Complex. Columbus State controlled the offensive opportunities, outshooting the Sand Sharks 22-5, including a 9-3 advantage in shots on goal.
The Cougars also held an 11-2 edge in corner kicks.

Columbus State followed with a commanding 4-0 shutout victory over Georgia College in the semifinals on Nov. 4. The Cougars outshot the Bobcats 14-6, placed five shots on goal compared to two for Georgia College and earned 10 corner kicks.

Through two tournament matches, Columbus State has totaled 36 shots, 14 shots on goal and 21 corner kicks while limiting opponents to just 11 shots and five shots on goal.

The Cougars have been led offensively by Kendal Coreil, who has recorded one goal and one assist for three points. Kaylee Castano, Elle Henschel, Paulina Cervantes, Mia Johnson and Gianna Musci have each contributed a goal, while Aubrey Patterson and Raegen Varvarigos have recorded two assists apiece.

Defensively, Columbus State has allowed just one goal in 180 minutes of tournament action, posting a 0.50 goals-against average and one shutout.

North Georgia enters the championship following consecutive 6-0 victories over USC Aiken and Flagler, outscoring its opponents 12-1 through two matches.

The Nighthawks are led by Chloe Diaz, Emma Moreau and Blanca Cruz, who have each recorded two goals and one assist for five points during the tournament.

Both teams have allowed just one goal in postseason play, setting the stage for another competitive championship meeting between the conference rivals.

Championship History
Columbus State has dominated the championship series against North Georgia, winning all six previous PBC Tournament Championship meetings. The Cougars will look to extend that streak to seven while securing their fourth consecutive conference tournament crown.

Up Next
The winner of the 2026 Peach Belt Conference Championship will earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Tournament.