Women’s soccer celebrated its senior night and locked in its second seed placement in ASUN Conference championships, following a 0-0 draw against the North Alabama Lions on Oct. 21.

Before the game started, the team celebrated three senior athletes: defender Alyssa Aultman, midfielder Sydney Brough and midfielder Emily Wissel-Littmann.

Each player was given flowers and a framed picture showcasing their time on the team. 

After the celebration, the game started with the Lions pushing the Bears back by taking control of the ball.

The Bears stood their ground defensively as the Lions attempted a goal within the first few minutes of the game, which junior goalkeeper Kajsa Pruner caught midair.

The Bears’ first shot on goal was put on by junior forward Anna Kerr, but the Lions intercepted and took control of the ball.

The first half of the game kept the Bears mostly on defense, but in the second half, UCA regained more possession, maintaining control of the ball for most of the half and also giving the Lions a few scares with some close-call shots.

The game’s second half only saw four total shots between both teams, with only one landing on target by the Bears. This draw ensured the Bears a double-bye in their next ASUN Championship next week.

Derek Nichols, the associate coach for the Bears, took to X, formally Twitter, to express his congratulations to the team and his excitement for what is to come. 

“So proud of this group for staying the course and putting in the work after a tough nonconference schedule! To finish second and only drop one game in an 11-game conference schedule says a lot about our team! Still work to do, here we come Semi’s!!!!” Nichols said. 

The Bears finished their regular season with a 8-6-5 record overall and a 7-1-3 ASUN record.

The Bears’ next game will be Nov. 1 at 2 p.m., in Nashville, Tennessee, for the ASUN championship semifinals.