DAHLONEGA - A late second-half goal proved decisive Saturday as the No. 8 University of North Georgia (UNG) women's soccer team fell 1-0 to third-seeded Columbus State at the UNG Soccer Complex.

The Nighthawks (17-3-1) controlled long stretches of play and generated a 16-8 advantage in total shots, including a 10-3 margin in the opening half. Despite the pressure, UNG was unable to solve Columbus State goalkeeper Heidi Harris, who finished with seven saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Columbus State broke through in the 60th minute when Mia Robinson converted a chance inside the box off a setup from Sarah Hungerford to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. The goal came against the run of play after the Nighthawks had opened the second half with sustained possession and two looks from Chloe Diaz and Nina Lopez.

North Georgia continued to push forward in the final 30 minutes, earning corners in the 60th and 67th minutes and producing quality chances from Nina Lopez, Alizee Buresi and Grace McGill. Harris, however, turned aside each attempt, including a low strike from Buresi in the 77^th minute and a driven shot from Lopez in the 82^nd minute.

Goalkeeper Isabelle Lee recorded four saves for the Nighthawks, highlighted by back-to-back stops in the 75th minute to keep the deficit at one. UNG also held the Cougars to a single corner and forced eight offside calls.

Malia Burkes joined McGill and Lopez on the PBC All-Tournamen team. 

The conference tournament championship is Columbus State's third consecutive.

North Georgia concludes now awaits its postseason assignment when NCAA Tournament selections are announced Monday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
  Read Full Article