Conway, Ark. -

The Central Arkansas Women’s Soccer Program helped their postseason chances on Friday afternoon, defeating Nicholls State 1-0. The win gave the Bears seven points, placing them in sixth place in conference play, one point up on McNeese State, who plays Northwestern State tonight. “This gives us a realistic chance of getting into the tourney,” said Coach Jeremy Bishop following the win. Only the conference’s top six teams make the postseason.

Central Arkansas (10-6-1, 2-4-1 SLC) scored the match’s only goal in the 40^th minute, when Brooke Johnston lofted a cross into the box, where Maddi Poteet headed the ball home from six yards out for her first goal of the season. On the day, the Bears took seven shots, placing four on target. Adriana Lucar was the only UCA player with multiple shots on the match, placing one of her three shots on goal. Nicholls State (5-11-0, 0-6-0 SLC) took 16 shots on the day, with seven of those shots on goal. They were led by Spencer Valdespino, who put three of her six shots on frame.

Kelsey Gochnauer played all 90 minutes in goal for the Bears, making eight saves. In net for the Colonels, Amanda Boylson made three saves and allowed one goal.

“We had a really good stretch in the first half where we were able to get one in. Brooke played a really great ball, and Maddi put it in,” said Bishop the Bears lone goal. Johnston was one of multiple players to get significant time of the bench for Central Arkansas, who has struggled with injuries recently. “With the injuries we’ve suffered, we had to get some quality play from our bench, and we did. Brooke Johnston and Brooke Ballard both played well, and Elizabeth Brady did a great job switching from forward to center-mid for us today.” Johnston played 47 minutes and recorded an assist, while Ballard played 43 minutes and got off a shot.

The Bears return to the pitch next Friday at 4:00, battling Oral Roberts. Since McNeese State finishes their regular season slate up this Sunday, Central Arkansas will know exactly what they need to do before the match against ORU starts, but they aren’t letting that divert their attention: “We’ve just got to keep going and stay focused. With some of the stuff we’ve got going on, it’s just a matter of controlling what we can control and being ready to go at 4:00,” said Bishop.