Conway, Ark. –

The Central Arkansas women’s soccer team saw both their season and their senior day spoiled at the same time on Friday, as Oral Roberts netted a 102^nd minute goal to defeat the Bears 2-1.

The Golden Eagles (11-6-2, 5-3-0 SLC) got on the board first, when, in the sixth minute, Kayla Keller collected a pass from Megan Giles and slipped it into the Central Arkansas net for her sixth goal this season. The Bears (10-7-1, 2-5-1 SLC) were unable to respond until the 82^nd minute, when Emma Reed threaded a pass through two levels of ORU defenders and found Kristin Pollard, who put it away to tie the game at one. Both teams saw scoring opportunities in the overtime periods, but the Golden Eagles were able to connect first. Giles again helped generate the goal, feeding Allison Hall, who put the ball in from 12 yards out to give Oral Roberts the victory. “That’s a really good team we played today,” said Coach Jeremy Bishop. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they do some serious work in the tournament.”

Central Arkansas took eight shots during the match, placing four shots on goal. They were led by Brooke Johnston, who placed two of her three attempts on target. Oral Roberts attempted 11 shots on the day, placing four on goal. They were led by Keller, who placed one of her three attempts on frame. In goal for the Bears, Kelsey Gochnauer made two saves and allowed two goals. For the Golden Eagles, Helen Erb played 90 minutes in net, making three saves and allowing one goal. Maddie Rhodes came on to play the overtime periods, but she wasn’t challenged.

“It’s an extremely tough loss,” said Bishop following the game. “Because of the result, because it ended our season, because it’s Senior Day, it’s tough. But I think at this point we have to reflect a bit and realize that we had a good season and we gave ourselves a chance. The only way to move forward is to look at the positives.”

The loss ends the Bears hopes of making this year’s Southland Conference Tournament. Central Arkansas needed a victory over Oral Roberts to move ahead of McNeese State for the sixth and final spot in the tournament.