Bears Break Out in Record‑Setting Victory
The University of Central Arkansas women's soccer team finally broke through an early‑season slump, routing Alabama State 7‑0 in a match that will be remembered for its offensive fireworks and an abrupt weather interruption.
Megan Moudy opened the scoring with a striking free‑kick from 25 yards, and the momentum quickly built as Jama Akpanudo's precise passing unlocked the opposition's defense. Sakiko Manabe capitalized on a feed from Akpanudo, while Caroline Billings added her own brace before halftime, finishing a cross from Billings to put the Bears up 3‑0.
The second half saw a flurry of goals, including a well‑timed strike from Ashlyn May that set up Makenna Adam, and a clinical finish by Sophia Backstrom after a slick combination between Rylee Reisdorph and Billings. Jama Akpanudo capped his contribution with a fifth goal, while Moudy sealed the victory with a penalty kick in the dying minutes.
A 70‑minute lightning delay threatened to halt the contest, but the Bears regrouped after the second brief interruption and finished the game with 13 minutes left on the clock, leaving the scoreboard at 7‑0.
Looking ahead, Central Arkansas will travel to Springfield to meet the Missouri State Bears on Sunday at 1 p.m., aiming to carry this offensive rhythm into their next encounter.