COLUMBUS, Ga. – The No. 3 University of North Georgia (UNG) softball team fell 2-1 to Columbus State in the opening game of a Peach Belt Conference series Friday night at Cougar Field.

The Nighthawks struck first in the top of the first inning as Sydnee Reaves launched a leadoff solo home run to right field, giving North Georgia an early 1-0 advantage.

Columbus State answered in the third inning with a solo home run to even the score at 1-1. The Cougars then took the lead in the fourth, capitalizing on an RBI single that made it 2-1.

North Georgia was unable to generate additional offense the rest of the way. Reaves led the Nighthawks at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with an RBI. Jenna Miles went 1-for-4, while Marycille Brumby added a 1-for-2 effort.

In the circle, Chloe Poss took the loss to fall to 18-4 on the season. Poss threw six innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out three.

North Georgia will look to bounce back Saturday with a doubleheader set to begin at 1 p.m.