Women's soccer team makes Sweet 16

"Super proud of them for that. To make it to the Sweet 16 for the second time is a goal that we've been chasing for a little while now," head coach Kayley Ralton said. "Last year we made it to the second round, so to get even further again is a great testament to the team's work ethic that they've put in this year."

In the Nighthawks' first showdown with Columbus State this season, the Cougars concluded the regular season with a 1-0 win over UNG. However, the Nighthawks held Columbus State to one of its worst offensive performances of the season with 14 shots, five shots on goal and only one goal.

The regional final matchup will be the 33rd meeting since 2005 between UNG and the Cougars. The Nighthawks last defeated Columbus State in the 2023 regular-season finale to become the outright Peach Belt Conference regular-season champions for the first time in program history.

The second-round victory over Lander was inspired by an urge to grab revenge from UNG's regular-season matchup with the Bearcats. In a game in which the Nighthawks dominated Lander, allowing just one shot attempt over 90 minutes, a 1-1 draw was not UNG's desired result.

On Nov. 24, UNG's back line would hold strong against the Bearcats once more, this time pitching its seventh shutout of the season and fifth shutout in the last seven games.

On offense, the Nighthawks consistently earned quality chances throughout the early stages of the game. One chance in the 36th minute would prove pivotal as sophomore forward Grace McGill broke the scoreless tie with the game's only goal.

As freshman forward Sam Cottle weaved between defenders on the far side of the field, McGill quietly worked her way toward the six-yard box. Suddenly, Cottle exploded past the defense on the far side of the box, opening up a clean angle for a cross. She chipped the ball toward the net as McGill stepped in front and directed the ball off her chest past Bearcat keeper Leah Hayes Coen.