CARROLLTON, Ga. - It was a beautiful day in Carrollton, and the UWG soccer team did not disappoint, starting the weeknd with a 2-1 win over the Union Bulldogs.
West Georgia (3-2-2, 3-2-0 GSC) came out the first half outplaying the Bulldogs on the offensive side of the ball with the Wolves producing 11 shots on goal. From those, a 2-0 lead was established in the opening 45 minutes.
Both goals were made by freshman Katherine Hagans. Her first was set in the early moments of the 6th minute as she buried a deflection to give the Wolves an early lead.
"We were so close last game to an early goal and scoring there today took some pressure off the midfield and fullbacks to maintain possession," said head coach Jacob Crawford.
Her second goal raised eyebrows as Hagans hit a shot from outside the 18 and found the top right corner. It came in the 19th minute, with Kenna Kay picking up the assist.
"Very fortunate to be on the positive end of a goal like that," Crawford said of Hagans' rocket that made it 2-0, "She plays with confidence so it's not surprising but I was amazed."
The Bulldogs cut the lead in half with a penalty kick goal in the 75th minute by Madison Woolridge. The Wolves were able to successfully defend over the final 15 minutes, and almost added a third goal in the game's final seconds on a strike from Kay.
Hagans now has four goals on the season which leads the team and ranks seventh in the GSC.
West Georgia outshot the Bulldogs 16-13 for the game, and had a 9-7 advantage in shots on goal.
"It's very difficult for center backs to deal with consistent long balls through the full 90 minutes," Crawford said of his defense, "I was very happy with how Abby and Jade were switched on all game to deal with Union's direct threat."
Haley Brinkman finished the game with six saves in goal for the Wolves.
The Wolves now have Saturday to rest, recover, and regroup for Sunday's contest against Christian Brothers. Kickoff for that game is set for 1 p.m.
