PEMBROKE, N.C. -- A hard-fought victory over the back-to-back Conference Carolinas champion is how the University of North Georgia women's soccer team opened up its 2023 season. The Nighthawks used a first-half goal to defeat UNC Pembroke 1-0.
UNG put pressure on the UNCP defense in the first half and built the momentum that led to a corner in the 37th minute. A cross into the box by way of the corner found its way to
Bailey Vessell, who put it past the UNCP goalkeeper to give the Nighthawks an early lead.
A hard-nosed defensive effort led by
Cat Watry, Vessel and
Alizee Buresi held the Braves attack in check while
Sierra Fowler picked up another clean sheet for her career totals, standing tall alongside a back line that produced eight shutouts last season.
A few late flurries of action from the UNCP forwards produced two scoring chances that glanced off the crossbar, cleaned up by Fowler to limit the opportunity. The Nighthawks moved to 1-0 on the season and avenged last season's season-opening loss to the Braves.
Next Up
North Georgia will return home to the UNG Soccer Field at Lynn Cottrell Park for a match against Emmanuel (0-1) on Sunday (Sept. 3) at 4:00 p.m. for their second game of the season and the home opener.
