Starkville, Miss. –
 
The Central Arkansas women's soccer team wrapped up the final game of a four game away stint, as they traveled to Starkville, Mississippi to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs at the Mississippi State Soccer Field. The Bears found it difficult to get any momentum going throughout the game as they were ultimately defeated by the Bulldogs on a final score of 2-0.
 
Central Arkansas (2-2-1) controlled the first 10 minutes of the game, possessing the ball and holding Mississippi State (5-0-0) to just one shot and no corners. A shot from Central Arkansas's Camille Bassett saw the Bears earn themselves a corner kick in the 10th minute.
 
Mississippi State would then turn up the pressure, tallying four shots in the next six minute and ultimately found the back of the net in the 19th minute when freshman forward Zakirah McGillivary, picked up the ball just inside the 18 yard box and struck the ball into the bottom left corner of UCA keeper Lauren Mercuri's net, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage.
 
The Bulldogs would continue to apply pressure to the Bears, earning three more corner kicks following the opening goal. The Bulldogs would extend their lead six minutes later after a long ball from defender Miranda Carrasco forced UCA keeper Mercuri to come off of her line. It was headed home by forward Carly Mauldin as she beat Mercuri to the ball, giving the Bulldogs a 2-0 advantage in the 26th minute.
 
Mississippi State went on to tally three more corners in the first half following the second goal in which Mercuri was able to corral two more saves in the 36th minute and another just before halftime in the 45th.
 
The Bulldogs would carry their momentum into the second half, keeping a constant pressure on the Bears that led to  two more corners in the 46th and 47th minute, and another seven minutes later in the 54th.
 
Central Arkansas was able to generate one chance in the second half that saw a shot from Taylor Webb fly just wide in the 65th minute. It would be the best opportunity generated by the Bears.
 
Mississippi State remains undefeated as they have won their first five games of the season following tonight's win, but Central Arkansas coach Jeremy Bishop was pleased with the effort his team gave against a tough SEC opponent.
 
"Great effort tonight," said Bishop. "Mississippi State put us under a ton of pressure but we stood up to it and played a competitive match with them. Matches like this will prepare us well as we work to improve day after day, game after game."
 
On the night, Central Arkansas finished with two shots. In goal, Mercuri made seven saves.
 
Central Arkansas returns home to the Bill Stephens Complex this Sunday, taking on the Lady Lions of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.