CONWAY, Ark. – With the nonconference portion of the schedule complete, the Central Arkansas women's soccer team now has to apply what it has learned over the first eight matches to hit the ground running in ASUN games. First up, the Bears are on the road to face Queens, kicking off against the Royals at 6 p.m. CT in Charlotte, N.C.
 
The Bears (1-5-2) look to regroup after a 2-0 loss to Tulsa on Sunday. Despite the loss, Central Arkansas has shown a lot of improvement over the course of the first eight matches, creating more offensive chances and starting to limit opposing offenses. Many of Tulsa's shots on Sunday were from distance, opting to pepper the goal rather than test the defense and try to fight into the teeth and risk losing possession.
 
As it stands, five Bears have scored this season, led by Kelly Van Gundy and Megan Moudy's two goals. Moudy leads the team in points, having also added an assist to her scoring. The freshman has also led the team in shots and shots on goal, putting five of her eight shots within the frame of the goal. Between the posts, the duo of Lenja Kenstel and Kajsa Pruner have combined for two shutouts and have recorded 48 saves.
 
The Bears and Royals have only faced off once before, last season in Charlotte. Central Arkansas took a 2-1 win in the first-ever meeting, thanks to a six-save second half by Pruner. Anna Kerr tallied an assist on the opening goal of the match, one of two that the junior would tally last year.
 
Queens (2-3-1) enters the weekend having dominated South Carolina State in its last outing, cruising to an 8-0 win over the Lady Bulldogs. Seven Royals scored in the win, with Savannah Stuart logging a pair of goals in 62 minutes of play. Queens scored for the first time in the sixth minute, and scored its last goal in the 86^th, after outshooting the Lady Bulldogs 35-1.
 
But outside of Sunday's win, the Royals have scored just once, in a 1-0 win over Wofford to open the season. The four games in between have a combined deficit of 7-0, earning one scoreless draw and three shutout losses. In goal, Erica Turner has been the goalie of record in all six matches, and has two solo and one combined shutout this season, making 29 saves while allowing just seven goals.
 
Thursday's match is set for 6 p.m. CT in Charlotte. The game will be streamed on ESPN+, with live stats available online.