CONWAY, Ark. - The Central Arkansas Bears fell 2-0, but put up a very strong fight against Northwestern State. The Bears honored two seniors, Alex Wetteland and Haylee Hulse before the match and both players were on top of their game from the first kick.

FIRST HALF - BETTER CHANCES, BUT NO GOAL

The Bears started very strong with a low-driven shot by Anika Sultan, which was barely saved. Northwestern State took the lead in the ninth minute when a high shot from outside the 18-yard box beat Taylor Lassiter, who was making her debut at goalkeeper. 

Just five minutes later, Hadley Dickinson put a good shot on frame. The ball skipped right in front of the goalkeeper and nearly went in over her head. Abby Gibson had the final big chance of the half in the 43rd minute. The Bears outshot the Lady Demons three to one in the first half, yet trailed 1-0.

SECOND HALF - OFFSIDE WOES

The second half opened up with both teams taking turns with possession. In the 61st minute a long through ball was played to Emma Hawkins where she was able to beat the goalkeeper and put the ball in the back of the net, but it was called back for offside. 

Laurel Landry had a good chance after a deflected through ball found her feet as she fell to the ground, but her shot went just went wide of the post. Northwestern State scored a late goal in the 88th minute to make the score 2-0 and with only their second shot on goal. 

HEAR FROM THE COACH

"It's been a long year, credit to the girls who played the most games of anyone in the country. The commitment that takes is incredible. Playing 23 games with no missed dates is due to the girl's commitment to play. We know that we will be better next year and bounce back," said Head Coach Jeremy Bishop.

HEAR FROM THE PLAYERS

"This season was really hard and stressful, but in the end, I am happy that I got to spend four years here at UCA with this team," said Haylee Hulse, the senior center-back.

"It was sad that we couldn't go all the way, but I wouldn't be where I am without these girls and this team. They mean the world to me and I couldn't have fought through what I did without them. At the end of the day, I am thankful to have these past five years," said Alex Wetteland, a fifth-year senior.

The Bears season is now over, but matches will pick back up this fall!