CONWAY, Ark. – In the heat of the afternoon, the Central Arkansas women's soccer team couldn't keep up with No. 17 Oklahoma State, falling 4-0 on Sunday.
 
The Bears used early runs down the wings to stretch the defense early in the game, coming up with some crosses and near chances to test the Oklahoma State defense, but often came a pass away or a bad touch away from having picture-perfect opportunities to score the opening goal.
 
Despite looking like the better team for much of the first half, the Bears couldn't finish some early looks, and eventually, the team from Stillwater was able to get its own offense going. Gabby Thies and Kelly Van Gundy each had great looking shots early in the match that forced saves from the Cowgirl keeper, but the Bears weren't able to generate much more than those two looks. Then, in the 31^st minute, OKST found a loose ball in the box and finished it for the lone score of the first half.
 
After halftime adjustments, the Cowgirls came out swinging, scoring quickly to double their lead. Central Arkansas made some substitutions to keep fresh legs in the game, but the Bears runs that were working earlier just didn't have the same pop to them. As the match wore on, Oklahoma State was able to press the tempo with its size across the lineup, bearing down on the home team and scoring twice more before the final whistle. Brianna Lopez took a terrific shot late in the match to try to keep the Bears alive, but her shot couldn't find the net either.
 
Central Arkansas heads back on the road for the next one, looking to right the ship on Thursday at Arkansas State. After last season's quick scoring match, the Bears hope that a rematch with the Red Wolves can help kickstart the offense. First touch against Arkansas State is set for 4 p.m. in Jonesboro.