After a scoreless 77 minutes, the North Georgia women's soccer team netted two goals in the final 13 minutes to earn a 2-0 win over Belmont Abbey this afternoon at Alumni Field in a matchup of regionally-ranked sides. North Georgia improves to 6-1-1, while the Crusaders, closing out the non-conference slate, fall to 1-3-2.

The two teams played evenly through most of the game before the Nighthawks broke through late. 

North Georgia had the only real scoring chance of the first half, in the 43rd minute. Mollie Arrendale's one-time header from the goal mouth flew right into the hands of Hannah Kohls. Arrendale got behind the defense and redirected a cross from the right flank.

The game remained scoreless until the 77:54 mark when Arrendale gave the Nighthawks the lead with an unassisted marker from the left side of the box. After sidestepping a defender, Arrendale beat Kohls near post for the score.

12 minutes later, Rachel Van Horn sealed the match on a close range goal from the middle of the box after Sophia Matonak's attempt hit the right post.

Belmont Abbey threatened late, but could not get off a shot as North Georgia earned the win.

North Georgia outshot the Abbey 19-5 and it held an 8-4 edge in corner kicks. Kohls stopped three shots, while Mallory Sayre was credited with four saves.

The Crusaders are back in action Tuesday night at 7:00 when they go on the road to face Limestone in the Conference Carolinas opener.