DAHLONEGA – The University of North Georgia (UNG) women's soccer team has been picked to finish second in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Preseason Women's Soccer Poll, as announced by the league Thursday.
Columbus State was selected as the preseason favorite, with Lander rounding out the top three.
The Nighthawks are coming off one of their best seasons in program history in 2025 that saw North Georgia post a program-record 18 wins and a perfect 10-0-0 mark in conference play, resulting in the program's third PBC Regular Season Championship. UNG also secured its sixth PBC Tournament Championship appearance and a trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Blanca Cruz, Chloe Diaz, Nina Lopez and Grace McGill were all named to the Preseason All-Conference Team, as North Georgia led the PBC with four selections.
Cruz put together a decorated season in 2025, resulting in United Soccer Coaches All-Region Third Team, D2CCA All-Region Second Team and PBC All-Conference First Team selections. The Snellville, Ga. native appeared in all 22 games for the Nighthawks while leading the PBC with four game-winning goals last year.
Diaz is fresh off United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team, D2CCA All-Region Second Team and PBC All-Conference First Team honors last season. The senior midfielder started all 22 games and ranked sixth in the conference with six assists.
Lopez locked up United Soccer Coaches All-Region, D2CCA All-Region and PBC All-Conference First Team selections last season. The Melbourne, Fla. native started all 22 games for the Nighthawks and played the full 90 minutes in 10 of her appearances. She led the league averaging 3.5 shots, accounting for 1.14 points per game and ranked second in the conference with seven total assists.
McGill brought home United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team, D2CCA All-Region Second Team and PBC All-Conference First Team honors in 2025. She appeared in all 22 games while ranking second in the conference with 10 goals. A two-time PBC Defender of the Week in 2025, McGill also helped anchor a Nighthawk defense that recorded 10 clean sheets.
The Nighthawks are set to open the 2026 season on the road at Lees-McRae on Thursday, Aug. 27. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Tate Field in Banner Elk, N.C.
