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KENNESAW, Ga.- The University of West Georgia women's soccer team (0-5-2) finished its nonconference schedule with a 1-1 draw against Kennesaw State (3-3-3) at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium.

The Wolves started out as the aggressors early, as Rachel Higgins scored her third career goal and first of the season after Isa Ramirez sent a corner kick into the box that was mishandled by the Owls' defense. Higgins took advantage of the mistake, finding the back of the net early.

This marked the first time UWG has scored in consecutive matches this season. The last time the Wolves accomplished the feat was last season, when UWG scored against Alabama A&M and High Point on September 11 and 14, respectively.

The goal also marked the first time in program history that the Wolves have scored against the Owls. In the first matchup between the two programs in 2004, Kennesaw State defeated UWG 9-0. The Owls held the Wolves scoreless again in 2006, earning a 4-0 victory.

After the Wolves scored early, the Owls were aggressive throughout the first half in search of the equalizer, firing 11 shots with seven on target. All seven shots on goal were saved by Emily Sanabria, keeping the score at 1-0 heading into halftime.

Kennesaw State continued to press the Wolves' defense in the second half, firing nine shots to UWG's two, with five on target. The Wolves held strong for 88 minutes, but with just 1:48 remaining on the clock, the Owls finally broke through as Anabel Orozco scored the equalizer off an assist from Lara Kennedy.

With less than two minutes remaining, neither team would score again, resulting in a 1-1 draw in Kennesaw. 

Despite allowing a goal in the final minutes, Sanabria recorded 11 saves on the night, marking her third double-digit save performance of the season and moving her into first place in the United Athletic Conference in total saves and saves per match.

Ultimately, Kennesaw State outshot the Wolves 20-5 and held a 12-4 advantage in shots on goal. Despite the disparity, the Wolves held strong defensively and secured a 1-1 draw while facing consistent pressure throughout the match. 

The Wolves will begin conference play on Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.m. back in the City of Dreams.