CONWAY, Ark. – Following a triumph in its ASUN opener, the women's soccer team returns home to round out the weekend, hosting Kennesaw State on Sunday. The Bears and Owls will kick off at 1 p.m. at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex, competing for the fourth time in program history.
 
The Bears (2-5-2, 1-0 ASUN) started off conference play the right way, picking up a road win against Queens on Thursday. Sydney Brough scored the game-winner in the second half, keeping Central Arkansas unbeaten in ASUN openers since joining the league in 2021. It marks the 14^th goal for the Canadian, who leads the Bears in career goals among active players.
 
Six players for Central Arkansas have found the back of the net this season, with Kelly Van Gundy and Megan Moudy each with two. Trace Pavatt leads the team with a couple of assists, one of five Bears with dimes. In goal, Kajsa Pruner picked up her second shutout of the season against the Royals, making six saves to bring her season total to 40. Pruner and Lenja Kenstel have totaled 54 saves on a 71 percent save rate.
 
Last season's meeting between the Bears and Owls saw Central Arkansas take a 1-0 win over Kennesaw St. Scoring in the ninth minute, the Bears held on for the final 81 minutes of action, unable to find a second goal despite putting 11 shots on frame. Nina Mazzola led the team with four shots, with Pavatt and Brough each adding three. Last season's win was the first-ever against Kennesaw State, who leads the series 2-1.
 
The Owls dropped their ASUN opener to fall to 1-4-3 on the year, falling 2-0 to North Alabama. A goal in the middle of each half spelled doom for Kennesaw State, in a match that was otherwise pretty even. It leaves the Owls with still just three goals to this point in the season, scored by three difference players. Junior Macie Rainwater leads the team with two assists.
 
Kennesaw State was picked to finish fourth in the ASUN Preseason Poll, with Central Arkansas a couple of spots below at sixth. Last season, the Owls did finish fourth with a 5-3-2 record, whereas the Bears finished a spot below, with a 4-4-2 slate.
 
Kickoff against the Owls is set for 1 p.m. at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex. The match will be streamed on ESPN+, with live stats available online.