MOBILE, Ala. - Preseason Sun Belt Conference favorite South Alabama overcame an early 1-0 deficit to defeat visiting Georgia Southern, 2-1, on Thursday evening in Mobile, Ala.

The Jaguars (8-0-2) remained unbeaten on the season with the win, while Georgia Southern (5-3) dropped its Sun Belt opener on the year. The Eagles return to action on Sunday, hosting similarly unbeaten Old Dominion in a 1 p.m. contest at Eagle Field.

Georgia Southern opened the scoring in the contest in the 17th minute as sophomore Bri Conley tallied her second goal of the season, from an assist by senior Simone Timm, to put the Eagles up 1-0.

The Jaguars tied things up in the 31st minute on a tally by Gabby Hollar. The score at halftime remained 1-1 as the Eagles enjoyed a slim 7-6 advantage in shots.

South Alabama took the lead in the 60th minute on a goal by Abby Jacobs.

The Eagles pressed for the equalizer, getting three shots in the final 10 minutes of the match, two of which - one from Conley in the 85th minute and one from redshirt junior Elis Nemtsov in the 88th minute - forced saves from South Alabama goalkeeper Jaidy Campos. But the Jaguars held on for the victory, collecting a fourth straight one-goal victory over the Eagles.

Georgia Southern would hold a 12-11 edge in shots at the conclusion of the contest. Quinn Wilson made five saves in net for the Eagles while Campos finished with six saves for the Jaguars. The Eagles also enjoyed a 5-4 edge in corner kicks.

"Credit to South Alabama tonight," Georgia Southern head women's soccer coach Chris Adams said. "They were able to score on us off of two crosses and finishes. We had our chances, but their quality was a bit better. We have to be more composed at critical moments and make sure our chances count. It's tough to put that much effort into a match and not get anything out of it. But we will rebound quickly with another difficult opponent on Sunday at Eagle Field in ODU."