Conway, Ark. – The Central Arkansas women's soccer team celebrated the careers of 11 seniors prior to the match on Friday night. On the pitch, the Bears moved one step closer to their first ever appearance in the Southland Conference Tournament by defeating Lamar 1-0.

Central Arkansas (8-9-2, 5-6-0 SLC) outshot the Lady Cardinals (7-10-2, 4-6-2 SLC) 22-8 on the night. Despite taking 10 shots in the first half though, the Bears were unable to break through until Lamar surrendered an own goal in the 57^th minute. Maddi Poteet put a cross into the box for the Bears, and a Lamar defender headed it into the net in an attempt to clear the ball.



Ballard led the Central Arkansas offense with three shots on goal, while Marisela Chavez and Shelby Wilson were each on target twice. Adriana Lucar and Sarah Correll each added on shot on goal. The Central Arkansas defense held the Lady Cards to just two shots on goal on the night. Kaitlyn Keith and Lyndzey Goff each played a half in net for the Bears, with each making one save. Bailey Fontenot made nine saves for Lamar.

The victory gives the Bears 15 points in SLC play, which would make them the final team to make the tournament. Central Arkansas is one point ahead of Northwestern State, whom the Bears defeated 3-0 earlier this season, giving them control of the tiebreaker. The Bears will be looking for a win or tie against McNeese State on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 to clench the final tournament spot.