LIVINGSTON, Ala. -- Chloe Richards scored two goals and the University of North Alabama held off a late charge to down West Alabama 2-1 in a key battle for the lead in the Gulf South Conference women's soccer standings.

The win improves UNA's league record to 8-2 and drops West Alabama to 8-2. Lee remains in first place at 9-2. North Alabama has two regular season matches left to play and already owns a win over Lee. The Lions play at Mississippi College on Oct. 30 and then close out their regular season at home against Delta State on November 1.

Richards, the top goal scorer in the NCAA Division II for the second straight season, wasted little time getting on the board Sunday. Richards scored her 25th goal of the year in the eight minute of play, unassisted. She then scored an insurance goal at the 80:04 mark to seemingly put the game away. West Alabama got a goal from Nina Coleman with just under three minutes to play but UNA held on for the 2-1 win.

West Alabama out-shot UNA 13-12 in the match and Shelby Thornton recorded four saves in goal for UNA.

The win gives UNA a 6-2 advantage in the all-time series with the Tigers and was the Lions third straight win over West Alabama.