LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Playing in just its second overtime match of the season, the Central Arkansas women's soccer team picks up a big win off the foot of Emma Hawkins' 13^th goal of the season. The win lifts the Bears to 9-7 on the year, and a still perfect 4-0 in ASUN West play.
 
In a match that saw Central Arkansas get outshot 15-5, the outcome really came down to which team was going to either make a critical mistake or find a lucky break first. Both teams had opportunities throughout the first half, starting with a fifth minute long ball from the Knights that hit the crossbar. Hadley Dickinson responded with a shot of her own a few minutes later, necessitating a save from the Bellarmine keeper.
 
The Knights controlled possession for much of the first half, dominating the midfield, preventing much two-way play from the Bears. And though Bellarmine seemed in control, the UCA defense kept punching back, keeping the Knights at bay. 
 
Still scoreless after the half, the story was largely the same as in the first. At times, the Bears would start building momentum, only to lose possession or have a pass go awry. On the other side of the ball, the defense continued to repel any and all charges from the Knights. Keyla Perez came off her line to pick off several lobs inside and recorded three saves in the shutout. Perez now has four solo shutouts on the year to go along with three combined clean sheets.
 
After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, UCA entered a situation it hasn't experienced much this season, overtime. Up to this point in the season, the Bears have been in just a few overtime matches, with one win and two losses. Bellarmine, on the other hand, has been a part of eight overtime matches, earning draws in seven of them.
 
For a few minutes in overtime, it seemed like that experience would benefit the Knights, as they took four shots in quick succession to start the extra period. Yet again, timely saves and stops from the Central Arkansas defense kept the match alive, allowing for a counterattack from the Bears. Gracie Hair ended up with the ball on the right side and played a ball to a sprinting Hawkins, with just one defender to beat. A quick side-step in the box gave Hawkins all the space she needed to plant home the golden goal, her 13^th of the year.
 
With the goal, Hawkins is now tied for first in total points in a single season and fourth all-time for single-season goals at UCA. For her career, she holds third place in total goals and total points in school history.
 
Next up for the Bears is their final regular season match at Lipscomb. The match against the Bison is scheduled for next Saturday at 6 p.m.