DAHLONEGA – Despite a comeback push in the second half, the No. 13 University of North Georgia (UNG) women's soccer team suffered its first Peach Belt Conference (PBC) loss of the 2026 campaign 1-0 against Flagler on Wednesday afternoon.
The Nighthawks (5-2) pressed Flagler's defense coming out the gate, firing off five shots through the first 15 minutes, but ran into a sturdy Saints defense that cleaned up the North Georgia opportunities.
Late into the first half, Flagler broke the deadlock with a goal from Brooke Rienecker to put the Saints out in front with 7:16 remaining in the period. Neither side would be able to get a shot off for the remainder of the half, as the Nighthawks headed to the locker room facing a one-goal deficit.
North Georgia once again started the half with its foot on the gas, trying to capitalize on early corners and multiple shot opportunities from Nina Lopez. Flagler's defense stood strong again and kept the Nighthawks off the board.
UNG tested the Saints' backline with nine shots in the final 45 minutes, but Flagler was able to hold on to its 1-0 lead it had built in the first half to seal the deal.
Grace McGill and Lopez led the Nighthawks with seven shots combined between the duo.
North Georgia will look to rebound on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m., as the Nighthawks welcome USC Aiken to the UNG Soccer Field for Senior Day.
