DAHLONEGA -- The University of North Georgia women's soccer team will begin their 2023 season on the road as they face UNC Pembroke at noon on Friday, a battle between former Peach Belt Conference foes and a rematch from last season's opener.

North Georgia began the season with a 1-0 loss at the hands of UNCP, a team that finished 2022 with a 16-3-2 record, winning their conference championship before falling to Flagler in the NCAA Regional.

The Braves are a favorite to return to the NCAA postseason, selected to repeat as champions of Conference Carolinas, returning all three of their top goal scorers from last season. Anna Grossheim, Ashleigh Harris and Mercy Bell will have a considerable role for UNCP this season, with Grossheim scoring 14 goals and adding 11 assists last season to lead the team in both categories.

The Nighthawks will be anchored by Maysoon El-Shami, a PBC All-Conference selection last season, El-Shami finished third on the squad in points while holding firm in North Georgia's midfield. Katey Derkay and Natalie Maguire also return to the squad after finishing top-five in points. UNG held a 10-5-3 record last season, finding the same fate as the Braves, falling in the opening round of the 2022 NCAA Regional.

The two NCAA Postseason contenders will meet at Lumbee River EMC Stadium in Pembroke, N.C., for a high noon showdown on Friday (Sept. 1).