Hickory, N.C.----The seventh-seeded Wingate University Bulldogs knocked off their second top-20 opponent of the weekend Sunday afternoon, taking down third-seeded and 18th-ranked North Georgia 1-0 in the semifinals of the 2019 NCAA Division II women' soccer tournament. Wingate improves to 15-4-2 overall, advancing to the regional finals, while the NightHawks end their season at 16-3-2.

THOUGHTS FROM JACK VUNDUM

"What a fantastic weekend. The girls have been going from strength to strength and gotten everything they deserve. We will take some well-earned rest and enjoy some time with our families and friends over Thanksgiving, then return and go get at it again."

THOUGHTS FROM MCKENNA DELONG

"I am just so proud to be able to play with such a great group of girls who do not quit. We were really able to step up this weekend and are ready to face the new challenges that are coming. We are very excited to show everyone what we are capable of!"

KEY STATS

- Wingate held an 11-7 advantage in shots
- The 'Dogs put three shots on frame while the NightHawks had two
- UNG took five of the six corner kicks on the day
- WU was called for nine fouls; North Georgia had six fouls
- McKenna DeLong had the goal
- Kaitlyn Cox notched the assist
- Abbey Frail registered two saves to preserve the shutout
- Morgan Zanardi took a game-high four shots; three shots on goal

NOTES

- The 'Dogs are in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2015
- WU is making its sixth all-time tournament appearance
- Wingate advances to the regional finals for the first time since 2013
- The 2013 season saw the 'Dogs win their only region title in program history
- 12th shutout of the season for Frail and the WU defense
- The Bulldogs have allowed just one goal their last five games
- Fifth goal of the season for the All-Region midfielder DeLong
- Fourth assist of the year for Cox
- Wingate moves to 3-3 all-time against North Georgia and 1-2 in neutral-field meetings

FIRST HALF

- Wingate took five of the seven shots in the opening frame
- Zanardi and Brianna Ditillo each put a shot on goal in the first half

SECOND HALF

- Wingate struck in the 54th minute
- Cox made a run down the left sideline, then sent one towards the box
- DeLong re-directed it home past the keeper to make it 1-0
- The NightHawks put just one shot on frame in the half, which was turned away by Frail

UP NEXT

- Wingate is onto the regional title match
- The Bulldogs will face third-ranked Flagler with the region championship on the line
- The match will take place either Dec. 5 or Dec. 6
- The winner advances to the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals
- The national semifinals and finals will take place in Pittsburgh, Pa. Dec. 12 and 14