Conway, Ark. –

The Central Arkansas women’s soccer team picked up its first conference win of the season on Sunday, defeating McNeese State in a double-overtime thriller.

The Bears (9-4-1, 1-2-1 SLC) appeared as if they would continue to be victimized by the poor offensive luck that has plagued them since the start of conference play, blasting shots off the crossbar and the goal post early in the game. But it wasn’t until the game’s 109^th minute that the Bears were finally able to break through, when Kristin Pollard collected a Cassie Lange corner kick and put it into the back of the net to give Central Arkansas the win.

The Bears took 18 shots during the game, placing seven on goal. They were led by Lauren Trueheart, who placed two of her three shots on frame, and Alexa Herbers, who also took three shots. Pollard place both of her shots on goal. McNeese State (7-6-2, 2-2-0 SLC) fired off ten shots on the day, with five being on target. They were led by Sarah LaLanne, who was on target with all three of her shots.

Kelsey Gochnauer played the first half in goal for the Bears, making two saves. Lyndzey Goff came in at halftime, playing the second half and both overtime periods. She made three saves. In goal for the Cowgirls, Maggie Marks made six saves and allowed one goal.

“It was an exciting game,” said coach Jeremy Bishop. “We played really well, especially in the first half. We created a lot of scoring chances that, unfortunately, didn’t go in. But continual effort paid off.”

Central Arkansas hits the road next weekend, travelling to Lamar on Friday and Southeastern Louisiana on Sunday. Of the games, Bishop said, “We’re doing a good job of defending and keeping the other team’s scoring chances down. We just have to keep moving forward and staying positive.”