GREENSBORO, N.C. –Freshman Katherine Rodriguez (Franklin, Tenn./Father Ryan) tapped in the game-winning goal in the 54^th minute to propel UNCG women's soccer to a 1-0 win against Georgia Southern Sunday afternoon at the UNCG Soccer Stadium.

"We put one away and we are happy with the chances we created," said head coach Steve Nugent. "I thought defensively we were very sharp as Georgia Southern is a tough team to play. We are really happy with the effort this weekend coming away with six points."

With the victory, the Spartans improve to a season-best 9-6-1 overall and a 6-1-1 record in the SoCon. The Eagles fall to 6-6-4 with a 2-5-1 mark in the SoCon. UNCG picked up its third-straight shutout and all have been 1-0 victories.

UNCG took the lead in the 54^th minute when senior Lauren Hein (Torrance, Calif./South Torrance) found a streaking Cat Barnekow (Santa Rosa, Calif./Santa Rosa) who set up a perfect pass to Rodriguez inside the box for a one touch goal. It was the first goal of the season for Rodriguez and gave Barnekow her second-straight game-winning assist.

Freshman goalkeeper Jamie Simmons (Houston, Texas/Clear Brook) picked up her fifth shutout of the season after collecting two saves. Simmons has pushed her streak of minutes without giving up a goal to a season-high 319:20.

The Spartans played to a scoreless first half after leading 4-to-2 in shots and took four corner kicks. UNCG had a chance when freshman Chesney White (Franklin, Tenn./Franklin) fired a shot on goal but Katie Merson made the save in the 28^th minute.

In the second half, UNCG continued to play flawless defensively allowing just three shots from Georgia Southern.

The Eagles had an opportunity to tie the game in the 72^nd minute but Alex Murphy's header went just wide. Also UNCG played the final 15 minutes with one more player as Carlee Storey received a red card in the 76^th minute.

The Spartans finished the game with six shots and five corner kicks.
  
UNCG travels on the road to face SoCon leading Samford Friday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. in Birmingham, Ala.

Be sure to follow all updates about the 2012 UNCG women's soccer team on www.uncgspartans.com or on twitter @UNCGsports.

- UNCG -