DAHLONEGA – In the 2022 season opener, a battle between two 2021 NCAA Tournament teams and two former Peach Belt Conference foes went the way of the University of North Carolina Pembroke, 1-0, on Thursday afternoon at the UNG Soccer Field at Lynn Cottrell Park.

The University of North Georgia women's soccer team had its chances throughout, but they could not find the back of the net. Multiple times the Nighthawks looked to capitalize on opportunities but came up short.

In the first 30 minutes, goalkeeper Sierra Fowler withstood an onslaught of shots saving four shots with no offensive answer by North Georgia. The fifth shot came in the 31st minute when reigning Conference of Carolinas Freshman of the Year Anna Grossheim took a cross into the box, controlled it, and slipped it by Fowler's outstretched hand.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• Liv Sullens was a spark off the bench leading the Nighthawks in shots (5) in just 45 minutes of action.
• UNG had three more shots than UNCP, out shooting the Braves 14 to 11.
• Both goalkeepers had seven saves each, UNCP had 8-of-11 shots on target while the Nighthawks were 7-of-14.
• UNC Pembroke is the Conference Carolinas preseason favorite.

NEXT UP
The Nighthawks turn around and face Anderson on Saturday, August 27th, the Trojans began their season by thrashing Shaw 4-0 on their home field on Thursday night.