KANSAS CITY, Mo. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears tallied a goal in the opening seconds, then turned to their defense to preserve a 1-0 shutout of the UMKC Roos on Sunday at Durwood Stadium.

    Sophomore Shelby Wilson of Flower Mound, Texas, scored just 22 seconds into the match on an assist from Conway senior Brooke Ballard to give the Bears the only goal they would need on a scorching 96-degree afternoon. Wilson, UCA's third-leading scorer a year ago, helped the Bears improve to 1-0-1 on the young season.

    Freshman goalkeeper Anna Hughes of League City, Texas, earned her first shutout, recording three saves. UMKC (1-1-0) had eight total shots to UCA's four, including five in the second half when the Bears' defense stepped up. Senior Sarah Perlman and sophomores Allie Coleman and Kate Koch had UCA's other shots on goal.

    The Bears return to action on Friday at Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena, Miss. Game time is 6 p.m.