CONWAY, Ark. – After honoring the accomplishments and efforts of its three seniors, the Central Arkansas women's soccer team battled to a 0-0 draw against North Alabama. More importantly than the result, however, was the impact on the standings that the draw had, as the Bears locked up the No. 2 seed in the Atlantic Sun Championship later this month.
 
The Bears finish the regular season with an 8-6-5 overall record and 7-1-3 in ASUN matches. It marks the first one-loss conference season for Central Arkansas since 2018, when the Bears went 10-1 in the Southland.
 
Prior to kickoff against the Lions, the home team celebrated their three seniors: Alyssa Aultman, Sydney Brough and Emily Wissel-Littman, who have seen the program now make three-straight ASUN Semifinals in three years of being in the league.
 
The Lions pressed early in the match, clearly on a mission to spoil the fun that was had before the first whistle. Kajsa Pruner was tested in just the fourth minute, but the Swedish goalkeeper was all over it. But even still, possession was largely in favor of North Alabama, who controlled the ball in their attacking third for the bulk of the first half. Kelly Van Gundy put the first shot up for the Bears, but her attempt was wide of the net.
 
Anna Kerr put the first shot on goal for Central Arkansas, a blistering shot that the Lion keeper was able to control. But the first half was more about the defense holding firm, keeping the Lions off the board and getting through the emotions and getting locked back in after halftime.
 
Making some halftime adjustments, Central Arkansas did a better job in the second half of moving the ball and maintaining possession for longer stretches. Trace Pavatt and Kerr were able to make some deep dives into the corners and send crosses goalward, but the Bears couldn't find a final touch. The defensive battle continued throughout the second half, as both teams worked toward figuring out the other. The three seniors played like the experienced vets they are, playing a large part in dispossessing the Lions and turning the ball forward.
 
The final 45 minutes saw just four total shots between the teams, with only one on target. The scoreless draw ensures that the Bears receive a double-bye in next week's ASUN Championship, with their next game not coming until November 2^nd in Nashville.