CARROLLTON, Ga. – Nicki Gears scored her sixth goal of the season in the 81st minute to defeat Gulf South Conference opponent West Georgia 1-0 at University Field on Sunday.

The victory gives West Alabama (4-3, 1-1) its first conference win of the season. West Georgia (2-8, 2-4) entered the match ranked third in the conference.

“We’re delighted for the ladies,” said UWA head women’s soccer coach Graeme Orr. “They have worked extremely hard. Today it was important to get points on the conference board and they went about that in a professional determined manner.”

The Tigers controlled the majority of the match as nine Tigers recorded shots. UWA out-shot the Wolves 20-7, including 8-1 on-goal shots.

UWA starting goalkeeper Issy Foster had to make only one save to record her second complete shutout this season and improve to 4-3. UWG keeper Mary Laza falls to 2-8.

UWA women’s soccer will return to the pitch on Tuesday to take on Judson College in Marion, Ala. The match is set for 4:00 p.m.