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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn.- The University of West Georgia women's soccer team battled to the final minutes Thursday night but fell 1-0 to East Tennessee State at Summers-Taylor Stadium, moving the Wolves to 0-2-1 on the season and ETSU to 1-1.

ETSU controlled the early stages of the match, recording eight shots in the opening 45 minutes, including four on target. United Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week Emily Sanabria continued her strong start to the season, making four saves in the first half to keep the Buccaneers off the scoreboard.

The Wolves struggled to generate opportunities offensively in the opening half, recording just one shot, a Kaylen Brown attempt that was off target. The teams entered halftime locked in a scoreless tie.

UWG came out of the halftime break with increased offensive pressure, recording seven shots in the second half and putting two on target. Brown and Kaialani Wise each registered a shot on goal, while the Wolves earned six corner kicks in the second half.

Making her first career start, senior Ava Maldonado helped keep the Wolves within striking distance throughout the match. Maldonado played all 90 minutes and helped lead a UWG defensive unit that repeatedly turned away ETSU's attacking chances.

Sanabria also continued to make her presence felt, finishing the night with six saves, the first time this season she had not recorded double-digit saves. The Wolves' defense held the Buccaneers scoreless through the first 87 minutes despite ETSU finishing with a 14-8 advantage in shots and a 6-2 edge in shots on goal.

With the match appearing destined for a tie, ETSU finally broke through in the 88th minute. Alex Beck found the bottom center of the net at the 87:06 mark, with Reagan Fitzgerald providing the assist to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 advantage.

The Wolves were unable to find an equalizer in the final minutes, falling 1-0.

Despite the result, UWG continued to show defensive resilience against an ETSU attack that generated 14 shots. The Wolves also finished with a 7-6 advantage in shots in the second half and created several opportunities to score after halftime.

UWG returns to the City of Dreams Sunday, Aug. 23, welcoming Middle Tennessee State University to University Soccer Field for a 1 p.m. kickoff in Carrollton.