Nighthawks wrap up season in Sweet 16

The University of North Georgia (UNG) women's soccer team ended its season in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional championship with a 2-0 loss at the hands of top-seeded Columbus State University on Dec. 1.

The Cougars entered the game as the No. 2 team in the country, touting the nation's best offensive attack among Division II schools. CSU's 21-0-1 record entering Sunday's contest was supported by the Cougars' No. 1 national ranking in 11 statistical categories including assists per game, goal per game, points per game, and goals against average. 

CSU flexed its offensive muscles in the first half with a quick goal from Vanessa Aviles to open the scoring in the sixth minute. 

At halftime, the Nighthawks only trailed 1-0 on the scoreboard, but had yet to register a shot in the contest. 

UNG would earn a number of opportunities in the second half, but not before the Cougars doubled their lead with an unassisted goal from Emma Beddow in the 47th minute just after halftime. 

The Nighthawks continued to fight as the clock dwindled on their season. In the final stretch of the game, UNG placed four shots in play but was unable to find the back of the net in the second half.

The Nighthawks ended their season with a 13-4-3 record, their fourth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance and second Sweet 16 appearance — and first since 2016. UNG posted double-digit wins this season for the fourth consecutive season and 15th time in the last 16 years. The only time in that stretch in which the Nighthawks did not win 10 or more games was in the 2020 COVID-shortened season in which they only played 10 games.