Columbus – The Columbus State women's soccer team proved they are still a team to be reckoned with as they picked up a 1-0 victory Wednesday night over previously unbeaten and 10^th ranked North Georgia in a Peach Belt Conference match at the Walden Soccer Complex.  

CSU improves to 9-3-2 on the year and 4-2-1 in the confernece while the Lady Saints fall to 10-1 and now have a 5-1 mark in the PBC.  The Lady Cougars are 8-1 all-time versus NGCSU outscoring them by a 26-5 margin.

It is the second previously undefeated and ranked opponent that Columbus State has taken down this year as they defeated then No. 22 Nova Southeastern 5-2.

The intensity was high on both sides early in the contest as each team was trying to get in the flow of the game.  Coming up from her right defensive back position, Kansas Bayly beat her defender just outside the box and took the game's first shot in the 10^th minute but was denied.  Bayly, the PBC Defensive Player of the Week, had a similar opportunity 10 minutes later this time curled home the match's only goal to the far left post.  It was her third goal in as many games as she netted a pair last week versus Georgia Southwestern.  Amber Wright saw the field beautifully switching fields to Bayly and recorded the assist on the goal.

Columbus State kept on pressing forward over the remaining 25 minutes but was unable to extend their lead before the half taking a 1-0 lead into the break.

Facing their stiffest competition of the season, North Georgia came out much more aggressive offensively in the second half taking their first set of shots in the match.  The Lady Saints best opportunity came in the 67^th minute when the PBC's leading scorer Emily Dover collected a deflection and fired a high shot that Mary Mancin was able to push over the crossbar.  Kayla Croom had a shot in the waning minutes of the game but her shot hit Catherine Lovin in the back to preserve the shutout.

Kelsey Pelletier had the best opportunity for CSU in the second half beating two defenders in the box but was unable to get the shot off before it was knocked away.  Kiana Nicholson also took a shot that had a chance at finding the back of the net but was blocked by a North Georgia defender.

Mancin earned the win for the Lady Cougars improving her mark to 9-3-2.  The junior made one crucial save to earn her fifth shutout of the season.  Kristen Ross suffered her first loss (6-1) on the year allowing one goal while picking up five saves.

Columbus State outshot NGCSU 14-8 in the contest and held an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks.  The Lady Cougars picked up 12 fouls while the Lady Saints were whistled nine times.

CSU is back on the pitch this Friday night (October 14) when they travel to Carrollton to take on West Georgia.  Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

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