CARROLLTON, Ga.- The University of West Georgia women's soccer team (0-6-2, 0-1 UAC) opened United Athletic Conference play Thursday night, battling North Alabama (3-1-3, 1-0 UAC) to a 1-0 score at University Soccer Field. The Wolves entered the matchup ranked last in the UAC standings, while the Lions came in ranked first, but West Georgia kept the contest within a goal throughout the night.
North Alabama came out aggressive in the opening half, recording 11 shots and eight corner kicks while controlling 65 percent of the possession. Meg Welsh led the Lions' attack with three shots on goal in the first 45 minutes, but UWG goalkeeper Emily Sanabria turned away each attempt. Sanabria, who entered the night leading the UAC in saves, recorded six saves in the opening half to keep the match scoreless.
The Wolves' back line also stood strong against the Lions' early pressure, with Ava Maldonado and Kaialani Wise helping UWG withstand North Alabama's offensive attack. West Georgia recorded three shots in the first half, with Berkleigh Jernigan accounting for two of them, including the Wolves' lone shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes.
The Lions continued to apply pressure early in the second half, and Welsh eventually broke through in the 51st minute. Adelyn Speight passed a through ball forward to Anna Fugarino, who found Welsh, and the North Alabama forward finished the opportunity to give the Lions a 1-0 advantage.
West Georgia responded with chances of its own. Ava Timberlake put a shot on goal in the 64th minute, while Jernigan forced a save from North Alabama goalkeeper Emily Dorfman in the 68th minute. Dorfman finished the night with three saves to preserve the Lions' shutout.
Sanabria continued to keep the Wolves within striking distance, making three additional saves in the second half to finish with nine saves on the night.
North Alabama ultimately finished with a 19-8 advantage in shots and 10-3 edge in shots on goal, while the Lions also held a 9-0 advantage in corner kicks. Despite the statistical advantage, UWG's defensive effort kept the match within one goal until the final whistle.
Jernigan led the Wolves with three shots and two shots on goal, while Timberlake added a shot on target. Sanabria's nine saves marked another strong performance in goal as West Georgia battled the top-ranked team in the conference until the end.
The Wolves will have a quick turnaround as they continue UAC play on Sunday, traveling to Richmond, Kentucky, to face Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
