This week we will focus on the goalkeepers as we conclude our breakdown of the University of Central Arkansas women's soccer roster!
 
The Bears will turn to their young goalkeeper core after UCA great Lauren Mercuri graduated last spring. Mercuri made program history in her senior season with 16 wins and 8.3 shutouts, earning her Southland Conference Goalkeeper of the Year honors. The coaching staff will have to turn to their young trio led by sophomore Reagan McCombs to pick up where Mercuri left off.
 
WELCOME BACK
 
McCombs enters the 2019 season with very little experience under her belt but an immense amount of ability. She spent much of her freshman year learning under Mercuri while adjusting to Division-I soccer. The 5'8 sophomore saw 80 minutes of gameplay last year with 9 saves on 12 shots faced. With a year of witnessing one of the best goalies in Central Arkansas history, McCombs will look to carry over what she has learned and implement it this season.
 
NEW TO THE SQUAD
 
Freshman Elizabeth Lewis joined the Bears in late April as one of the final additions. The Forney, Texas native will provide instant depth at the goalkeeper position and look to continue her winning ways in Conway. She spent her last four years of high school playing varsity and was named team captain for the latter two years. Lewis helped lead her squad to its first tournament, earning a playoff berth for the first time in school history. Her name got on the map after she was named Goalie of the Year in the Spring, along with a Second Team All-District nod in 2018.
 
Pomponne, France native Clara Bornet will bring an international flare between the pipes for the Bears as she gets set for her freshman season in Conway. Although she may be new to collegiate soccer, Bornet is a cool, calm presence in net that will compete for chances right away. Her technical skill and fundamentals will be a huge asset for UCA in the coming years. Bornet helped guide VGA Saint-Maur to a 2018 championship and was the primary netminder for four seasons.
 
 
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH JEREMY BISHOP
 
"We are excited about the group of goalkeepers we have for this season.  Reagan is returning with some experience from last fall and from the spring season. Lizzie and Clara are newcomers that both experienced success at the high school and club level. 
 
They are all hard working and have good technique, so we are really looking forward to getting into camp with them and watching them compete."
 
UP NEXT
 
The Bears open their preseason slate with a tilt against Southeastern Conference-rival Ole Miss this Friday at the Bill Stephens Soccer Complex. Kickoff for the exhibition is scheduled for 6 p.m.