HICKORY, N.C. – The third-seeded University of North Georgia (UNG) women's soccer team defeated sixth-seeded Wingate 2-0 in the First Round of the 2024 NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament in Hickory, N.C. Friday afternoon.

For the second year in a row, the Nighthawks will advance to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Kayley Ralton picked up the first official NCAA Tournament of her career in the two-goal victory. 

After advancing past the Bulldogs on penalty kicks in 2023, UNG and Wingate squared off in the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time since 2011. 

On a chilly North Carolina afternoon in which numerous players could be seeing wearing hats and gloves, it was the Nighthawks who heated things up first in the match. 

In the 32nd minute, sophomore forward Chloe Diaz opened the scoring in the game with her fifth goal of the season. 

As Diaz dribbled into attacking territory down the middle of the field, senior midfielder Darby Olive followed in support along the near sideline. Diaz chipped the ball to Olive and then headed towards the six-yard box. Olive retrieved the ball and maneuvered past a defender into the Bulldog penalty box. She then chipped a pass back to the middle of the box where Diaz was waiting. Diaz punched on the opportunity and buried the ball into the back of the net on the right side of the goal. 

The goal was Diaz's first career NCAA Tournament goal and the same applies to Olive on the helper. 

The Nighthawks controlled possession and tempo for the remainder of the half, securing a 1-0 lead at halftime. 

It would not take long once the second half began for UNG to double its lead over Wingate. 

In the 50th minute, a Nighthawk offensive attack saw freshman midfielder Nina Lopez lead a charge of UNG attackers into Bulldog territory. Just outside the far side of the 18-yard box, Lopez pitched the ball forward. The pass was intended for sophomore forward Grace McGil. 

McGil held a defender on her right hip and chased the ball to her left side. As she neared the ball McGil did not hesitate, striking it without a touch. The shot sailed off mcgil's left foot and towards the right side of the goal. Wingate keeper Haley Faucette dove to her left but it was a feeble attempt. McGil's second goal of the season and first NCAA Tournament goal of her career secured a commanding 2-0 lead. 

The Nighthawks would not let up as the game continued, firmly holding control of the game as the Bulldogs began to press with their season on the line. 

The UNG back line held strong, supported by the play from Nighthawk senior goalkeeper Sierra Fowler who produced her fifth shutout of the season, collecting five saves in the victory. 

The Nighthawks are still dancing into Sunday as they now await the winner of second-seeded and No. 9 Lenoir-Rhyne and seventh-seeded Lander. UNG will face the victor of the Bears and Bearcats on Sunday, Nov. 24 from Hickory, N.C. at 3 p.m. with a chance to advance to the Third Round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.