DAHLONEGA- Mia Robinson's strike in the 60th minute proved the difference as Columbus State defeat North Georgia 1-0 to claim the PBC Tournament Title in Dahlonega on Saturday.
The Cougars claim their third consecutive PBC Tournament title, their eleventh title in program history. Columbus State continue their streak of nine consecutive PBC Tournament victories, having not lost a PBC tournament game since the 2022 championship. This streak now includes three PBC Tournament titles. Columbus State has faced North Georgia in the PBC Tournament Championship game six times, and have won each of those six matchups.
The PBC Championship was a close game throughout, but North Georgia had the advantage in chances created, taking 16 shots to Columbus State's 8. The Cougars chances proved to be more clear cut, with five of their eight shots hitting the target, compared to seven of UNG's sixteen hitting the target. Columbus State's goalkeeper Heidi Harris had a busy afternoon, making seven saves and keeping a clean sheet for the Cougars. Harris' efforts saw her crowned Tournament MVP.
Play opened up more in the second half, as both teams looked even on both sides of the ball. The difference maker came in the 60th minute as Sarah Hungerford stole the ball in the center circle and advanced toward the North Georgia goal. Hungerford played the ball out wide to Mia Robinson who took a couple of touches of her own before slamming the ball across the goal and into the bottom corner.
Robinson's strike sealed the victory for Columbus State as the Cougars held off the Nighthawks for the remaining 30 minutes of play.
All Tournament Team:
Eva Martin, Clayton State
Kate James, USC Beaufort
Savannah Yerger, USCA
Savannah Sause, GCSU
Arianna Silva, Flagler
Grace Simon, Flagler
Langley Stewart, Lander
Peyton Bibbee, Lander
Malia Burkes, North Georgia
Grace McGill, North Georgia
Nina Lopez, North Georgia
Kendall Coriel, Columbus State
Anna Labarbera, Columbus State
Mia Robinson, Columbus State
Tournament MVP
Heidi Harris, Columbus State