The UNA soccer team defeated the West Georgia Wolves 2-0 Sunday afternoon to improve to 8-1-1 (4-1 Gulf South Conference) on the season.

Two goals from senior forward Chloe Richards put the Lions back in the win column after a tough 2-1 loss at Valdosta State Oct. 2.

The quick turnaround worried head coach Chris Walker before the match, but the Lions controlled the Wolves throughout the game.

“This was a game, when we first got the schedule, that we were nervous about,” Walker said. “We had to go all the way to Valdosta Friday and then come right back and play again on Sunday. We had to use a lot of players to get through it, but it’s nice to get back on the winning track.”

UNA got on the board early with Richards’ first goal in the second minute, her 15th of the season.

“I think our problem sometimes is we get an early goal, and we let off the gas a bit,” Richards said. “We held tight today and did well. I think we showed when we pressure them like we did in the first ten minutes, we can score and be successful.”

The Lions kept the 1-0 lead going in to halftime but struck again soon after. Richards found the back of the net again in the 64th minute to cap the scoring.

“I think we controlled the whole game, and I don’t think they had many goal-scoring chances,” Walker said. “Spirits are high, and we’re happy where we’re at right now.”

The Lions finished the match with 20 shots and seven shots on goal. Richards’ two goals came off assists from junior Ele Costello and freshman Kylie Huey.

UNA’s next match is at home against GSC foe Spring Hill Oct. 8.