DAHLONEGA — The North Georgia College & State University women’s basketball team trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half on Saturday, but rallied in the second half before falling 66-63 to Columbus State University in Peach Belt Conference action in Dahlonega.

The Lady Saints drop their first game in 42 days, falling to 10-3 overall on the season and back to .500 at 1-1 in the Peach Belt Conference, while Columbus State improves to 8-3 overall and snag their first league victory, moving to 1-1 in the conference.

The Lady Saints took their lone lead of the first half in the opening minute as Sarah Stinson posted up and knocked down a layup to give North Georgia the game’s first bucket.

Columbus State quickly responded and imposed their size in the middle to take control, opening up a double-digit lead at the 14:45 mark as Lauren Matheney hit a layup, giving the Cougars a 17-7 advantage.

The Lady Saints continued to struggle on offense as CSU ran away and claimed a 17-point lead with 5:25 remaining in the half, doubling up North Georgia 34-17 on a layup from Carrie Washington.