Columbus State University Athletics

COLUMBUS, Ga. | The Columbus State University Women's Soccer team defeated North Georgia 2–1 Saturday (Nov. 7) to win its fourth consecutive Peach Belt Conference Tournament title. The victory capped a perfect Peach Belt Tournament run for the Cougars' 2023 freshman class, which won four titles in four seasons without losing a tournament match. 

Tournament MVP Huda Sayedzada made seven saves as North Georgia put eight of its 22 shots on target. The Columbus State goalkeeper stopped four shots in the first half and added three saves after halftime to help secure the title. 

The Cougars struck twice in less than five minutes. Kaylee Castano opened the scoring at 10:18 with her third goal of the season off an assist from Payton Conti. Shania Wegesend doubled the lead at 15:03, converting a pass from Kendal Coreil for her ninth goal of the year and the eventual game winner.

North Georgia cut the deficit to one at 54:44 when Nina Lopez scored off an assist from Grace McGill. Sayedzada and the Cougars held the Nighthawks scoreless the rest of the way in front of 545 fans. Columbus State improved to 15–3–2 with the win. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Huda Sayedzada made seven saves in 90 minutes. 

• Shania Wegesend scored the game winner and put two of her three shots on goal. 

• Kaylee Castano scored on her only shot of the match. 

• Payton Conti and Kendal Coreil each recorded an assist. Conti put two of her three shots on goal, and Coreil put one of her two on target. 

• Columbus State put seven of its 14 shots on goal and held a 5–4 edge in corner kicks. 

UP NEXT:

The Cougars season continues next week as they await their NCAA Regional opponent (announced Monday night) after an incredible regular season and PBC Tournament victory!