Natchitoches, La. –

The Central Arkansas women’s soccer team, who came into Friday’s match as the most prolific offensive team in the nation, found themselves unable to connect on the night, drawing host Northwestern State 0-0 in the conference opener for both teams.

The Bears (8-2-1, 0-0-1 SLC) came into the match leading the NCAA in goals per game, averaging 3.8 scores per contest, but couldn’t seem to find the net despite taking 21 shots on the evening. They placed eight of those on goal, led by Elizabeth Brady, who put three of her six shots on the mark. Cassie Lange, Alex Wurst, Maddi Poteet, Adriana Lucar, and Brooke Ballard each chipped in with a shot on goal. The Lady Demons (5-5-1, 0-0-1 SLC) placed six of their 17 shots on goal, led by Cassandra Briscoe, who was accurate with both of her attempts.

Kelsey Gochnauer was in goal for the Bears in the first half, making two saves in her 45 minutes of play. Lyndzey Goff came on at the start of the second half, playing 65 minutes and making four saves, three in the first overtime period. Brooke Bourbonais played the entire 110 minute for Northwestern State, collecting eight saves.

The Bears return to the pitch on Sunday afternoon at 1:00, travelling to Huntsville, Texas to battle Sam Houston State. They return home next weekend, hosting conference foes Stephen F. Austin on Friday afternoon at 4:00, and McNeese State on Sunday afternoon at 1:00.