CARROLLTON, Ga. - The UWG women's soccer team got a big three points on Sunday afternoon, holding of Alabama Huntsville in a 3-2 conference win in front of the UWG faithful.
West Georgia (2-2-3, 2-1-1 GSC) built a 3-0 lead before UAH scored a pair of goals in the final 15 minutes to make things interesting, but in the end it was the Wolves who were victorious on a sunny Sunday in Carrollton.
"Very pleased from start to the 3-0 lead, because we controlled the game and didn't give up many chances," said head coach Jacob Crawford, "We scored when we were supposed to and had multiple chances to score more. We talked about it at the end of the game, that we learn from it. Every game, no matter where we're at, the other team is in it."
Katherine Hagans was a spark early, and in the 19th minute earned a penalty by drawing a foul in the box. Abby McGlamery then took the penalty shot and converted to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead.
Alabama Huntsville (4-3-0, 2-2-0 GSC) had just two shots on target in the opening half, with freshman Hannah Garrett stopping both of those back-to-back. Garrett was thrust into action due to an injury to senior Haley Brinkman.
In the second half, Hagans added a goal of her own to make it 2-0, beautifully converting a pass from Kenna Kay to extend the lead to 2-0. Ten minutes after Hagans' 58th-minute goal, it was Kay who added a goal of her own, making it 3-0 as Catherine Reeves picked up an assist.
"I thought Kenna and Katherine were great all weekend. Katie (Hagans) was virtually unstoppable today and even drew three or four fouls," said Crawford.
That's where things got tight as Alabama Huntsville scored goals in the 77th minute and 85th minute to make it a one-goal differential.
UAH had 15 shots to West Georgia's 14, with the Wolves putting seven on frame, compared to just five from the Chargers. Garrett made three saves in her first career start.
"I thought she played well enough to earn a shutout and it's unfortunate she didn't," Crawford said of the freshman goalie, "But to find out in pregame that you're going to have to go in as a freshman, that didn't faze her, and she did a fantastic job."
West Georgia is home again next weekend, hosting Union on Friday at 5 p.m. and Christian Brothers on Sunday at 1 p.m.
