RICHMOND, Ky. - The Bears dropped an ASUN match against Eastern Kentucky Sunday afternoon, falling 3-2 to the Colonels. 

Quick starts in both halves by EKU put the Bears in a battle from behind early, as Central Arkansas dropped to 2-5-2 on the year, with an 0-1-1 record in conference.

Barely off the kickoff, the Colonels capitalized on a loose ball in a dangerous spot, tallying a score in the first minute of the match. Battling back, the Bears earned a corner kick in the 27th minute. Lining up the set piece, Kelly Van Gundy lobbed in a ball that Abby Gibson punched home on a header, equalizing the match.

Eastern Kentucky would retake the lead in the 36th minute, taking a 2-1 lead into the halftime break.

Looking to regroup, the Bears came out into the second half needing another goal to tie the match and two to leave Richmond with a win. Instead, EKU again capitalized on a quick attack out of the break, claiming a 3-1 lead in the opening minutes of the second half.

Central Arkansas settled itself down and gained control of possession for a time, playing the ball into the attacking third, but struggling to find a way back into it. The momentum seemed to be petering out, before a cleared ball settled back at the feet of Taylor Webb. Taking a couple of dribbles over midfield, she launched a ball 50-plus yards over the arms of an outstretched keeper, breathing life back into the Bears.

Renewed, Central Arkansas continued fighting, earning a pair of corner kicks and keeping the pressure on the Colonels defense. Try as they might, however, the clock ran out before the Bears could muster up a third score.

The Bears will return home for their next couple of games, starting with a match against ASUN newcomer Austin Peay on Thursday. Kickoff against the Governors is scheduled for 7 p.m.