DAHLONEGA | In a battle of top-12 teams, No. 9-ranked Columbus State edged No. 12 North Georgia, 1-0, on Wednesday evening in a contest between the top two Peach Belt Conference teams at CSU's Walden Soccer Complex. 

It was the third consecutive meeting between the two schools in which Columbus State made a first half goal stand up for a 1-0 win.

The Cougars opened the scoring in the 23^rd minute when Cassandra Wade took a pass from Nicole Corcione in the 18-yard box and beat UNG keeper Mallory Sayre to the lower left corner.

The second half featured close misses for the Nighthawks with the best chance coming in the 79^th minute when Rachel VanHorn's shot bounced off the crossbar. 
 
NOTES
- After not being able to put a shot on frame in the first 45:00, the Nighthawks' offense turned up the pressure after intermission putting four shots on goal and outshooting the Cougars, 8-5. 

- North Georgia was shutout for only the second time this season with the first coming in a scoreless draw with Armstrong State on Oct. 3.

- Mallory Sayre recorded four saves on the night.

- Mollie Arrendale posted a team-high three shots for the Nighthawks.

STAT OF THE DAY
3 – North Georgia has been on the short end of three consecutive tightly-contested 1-0 decisions to Columbus State.  On all three occasions, the both teams have been ranked inside of the top-25 nationally.

NEXT UP
North Georgia returns to action on Saturday (Oct. 24) when the Nighthawks host Flagler at 1:00 p.m. at the UNG Soccer Complex.