MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The University of West Georgia soccer team closed their four-game road stretch on Sunday afternoon with a 3-0 result against Middle Tennessee at Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

The Blue Raiders (4-1-1) were quick to find their rhythm, opening the first six minutes of play with a pair of early shots. Goalkeeper Emily Sanabria saved an attempt from Emma Pettersen in the 6th minute, but MTSU broke through shortly after when Taijah Fraser converted a goal in the 9th minute for her third goal of the season.

The Wolves' (0-5-0) best offensive opportunity came in the 13th minute when Campbell Taylor took a shot just wide off a corner kick. That strike proved to be UWG's only attempt of the afternoon, as Middle Tennessee's defense limited the Wolves offensive production. After conceding the early goal, UWG settled into the match defensively. The back line, anchored by Ava Timberlake, Kaylen Brown, and Taylor Richardson, disrupted several attacks and forced four first-half offsides, while Sanabria continued to protect the goal.

Despite the defensive effort, just before halftime the Blue Raiders doubled their lead. Hannah Murphy scored her first goal of the season in the 41st minute off assists from Pettersen and Idun Kvaale, sending UWG into the break trailing 2-0.

The Wolves continued to fight in the second half, with Sanabria making several impressive saves to keep UWG within striking distance. As a freshman, Sanabria has been a key performer for the Wolves this season, recording six saves against 15 Middle Tennessee shots to bring her season total to 30. However, Middle Tennessee extended the lead once again in the 65th minute when Ximena Jauregui finished a cross from Pettersen to make the score 3-0.

Despite being outshot 15-1 and conceding seven corners, the Wolves showed resilience defensively throughout the match and will look to find ways to create more offense moving forward.

With the road stretch complete, West Georgia now returns home to Carrollton for a heavily anticipated four-game homestand. The Wolves will open the homestand on Thursday, September 4, at 6 p.m. against East Tennessee State at University Soccer Field, looking to build momentum with ASUN Conference play quickly approaching.