CONWAY, Ark. - The Central Arkansas Bears battled conference foe, Nicholls, in a tightly contested match on Sunday, Feb. 28. The Bears walked away with a 1-0 victory and moved to 11-3-1 and 2-1 in SLC play.

FIRST HALF - LIGHTNING DELAYS AND THUNDEROUS SHOTS

The match came to life very early on when Nicholls put the first shot on goal in the 3rd minute. Reagan McCombs made a comfortable save to keep the score level early on. The Bears opened up the match shortly after with shots from Abby Gibson, Anika Sultan, and Morgan Rollow just minutes later. The first yellow card was shown to a Nicholls player in the 20th minute after a tackle on Abby Gibson.

The match would face a weather delay when lightning entered the area. A 30 minute break from the action was called as the weather passed the area. The Bears came out of the delay playing the better of the two sides, producing multiple chances including a big chance from Abby Gibson who had her shot saved. Just two minutes later Laurel Landry was brought down during a through ball inside the 18-yard box. A red card was shown to the Nicholls center-back, as the Bears were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute. Emma Hawkins stepped up and tucked away the chance as the goalkeeper dove left and Hawkins smoothly tucked the ball into the right corner.

SECOND HALF - TIRED LEGS AND MISSED CHANCES

Nicholls, playing a player down due to the red card, were unable to gain possession early on in the second half, as the Bears took their chances early. Morgan Rollow fired a strong shot but was saved by the goalkeeper in the 51st minute. Gracie Hair was shown a yellow card in the 61st minute after a 50/50 collision near midfield.

The Bears played quick passing with through balls to a front three. The Bears however were unable to capitalize. Their best chance from the second half came off a counter-attack as Zoe Van de Cloot and Emma Hawkins were through on goal, but the goalkeeper made a diving save before Hawkins was able to square the ball to Van de Cloot.

HEAR FROM THE COACH

"It feels good to get results that we want. It wasn't our best soccer today, but it was tough playing today and Friday. We spent a lot of energy on Friday night, and it showed today, but we got the result so we keep moving forward," said Head Coach Jeremy Bishop after the conference win.

HEAR FROM THE PLAYERS

"It felt good to get back on the scoresheet, I missed some chances that I wish I could have back, but it was nice to finish when it mattered. As long as we get our recovery down, we should be able to hold our own in the next two matches," said the lone goal scorer Emma Hawkins.

The Bears travel to Houston Baptist Friday, March 5. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m..