Conway, Ark. – The Central Arkansas women's soccer team suited up for their final regular season game on Sunday afternoon. The Bears were looking for a win to secure a spot in their first Southland Conference Tournament, and they got, defeating the McNeese State Cowgirls 1-0.

The Bears (9-9-2, 6-6-0 SLC) got the game's only goal in the 56^th minute. Kristin Pollard blasted a shot towards the McNeese State net that was deflected by keeper Maggie Marks. Adriana Lucar collected the loose ball and slipped a pass to Vanessa Randall, who put it away from 5 yards out to give Central Arkansas the 1-0 lead. The Central Arkansas defense held the Cowgirls (6-12-2, 1-10-1 SLC) to just two shots on goal to help give the Bears the 1-0 win.



Randall, Pollard, and Sara Perlman each had a shot on goal for the Bears, while Tori Lasiter and Krista Steinbeiser each put one shot on target for McNeese State. Lyndzey Goff and Kaitlyn Keith combined for the shutout for Central Arkansas. Marks made two saves in goal for the Cowgirls.

With the win, Central Arkansas secured the sixth and final spot in this season's Southland Conference Tournament, scheduled to begin on Thursday in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This marks the first time that the Bears have made an appearance in the postseason since moving to Division I in 2006.  Central Arkansas, seeded sixth, will open the tournament on Thursday afternoon at 4:30 against third-seeded Southeastern Louisiana. The winner will move on to play second-seeded Oral Roberts at 4:30 on Friday afternoon.