Conway, Ark. – College athletics finally kicks off at Central Arkansas, with the women's soccer team opening up competition at Tulsa to officially start the 2024-25 year. The Bears will start in Oklahoma, opening on the road for the fourth year in a row. Kickoff on Thursday is set for 6 p.m.
 
Central Arkansas brings back a lot of last season's roster, including All-ASUN and Midfielder of the Year Kelly Van Gundy. She, along with fellow All-ASUN defender Gabby Thies, lead a squad that went 8-7-5 last season, with a 7-1-3 showing in the ASUN. The two were major parts of a team that was saw great numbers on both sides of the ball.
 
Van Gundy won Midfielder of the Year after logging 18 points, scoring seven goals and adding four assists. The incoming senior was among the top in almost every offensive category in the ASUN last season, and looks to build off of that success. Thies, on the other side, led a defense that was a top-tier defense in the conference, holding down a back line that never allowed more than one goal in any of the 12 conference matches.
 
In goal, Kajsa Pruner returns after recording six shutouts last year, allowing just 24 goals in 19 matches. She was dynamite in ASUN matches, allowing six goals in 11 games. She had nine games of five or more saves, and only gave up multiple goals in five appearances.
 
This season's Bear squad boasts 24 returners, including eight of last season's starters. The team also has 11 newcomers, which should add a blend of depth and athleticism to the team.
 
Tulsa finished last season 5-9-5, going 3-2-4 in the AAC. They bowed out of last season's conference tournament with a 2-1 loss to SMU, but during the season had quality wins over UAB and Temple down the stretch.
 
The Golden Hurricane return its top scorer from a season ago, junior forward Jordan Frederick. She scored five goals and added six assists for a season-total of 16 points. She was one of three players to be named to the AAC Women's Soccer Watch List, along with Hannah Chance and Kaylyn Simmons.
 
In goal, Tatum Sanders returns for the team as well, a keeper who logged 1300 minutes between the pipes last year. She recorded a 1.52 goals allowed average, making 62 saves and earning four solo shutouts.
 
The game on Thursday is set for 6 p.m. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The match against the Golden Hurricane will be streamed on ESPN+, with live stats available online.