No. 17 Oklahoma State Stays Unbeaten and Unscored on at Central Arkansas
(This story originated with Oklahoma State University Athletic Media Relations and was written by Wade McWhorter.)
CONWAY, Ark. – Oklahoma State is off to its best start in seven years after a 4-0 win over Central Arkansas Sunday at Bill Stephens Soccer Complex. With the win, the 17th-ranked Cowgirls are off to a 4-0-0 start to the season for the first time since 2017. OSU also made history with its shutout as it marks the first time in program history the Cowgirls have opened a season with four consecutive clean sheets. Grace Gordon and Logan Marks combined to keep the Bears off the scoreboard.
Nicole Ray netted two goals, while Mollie Breiner and Alex Morris also found the back of the net in Sunday’s victory.
UCA (0-2-0) recorded just three shots in the match, each of them on goal. Their most dangerous attempt came when Gordon made a leaping save early off a free kick from just outside the box as she tipped Kelly Van Gundy’s shot over the bar in the seventh minute.
OSU would get on the scoreboard in the 31st minute off a corner kick. After UCA goalie Kasja Pruner fumbled the ball into the box, a Bear defender failed to clear it, and Ray made them pay by drilling a low shot to the near post from 12 yards out.
Leading 1-0 at intermission, the Cowgirls nearly doubled their lead just over a minute into the second half, but a header by Reganne Morris was saved by a diving Pruner.
Another UCA save would lead to the Cowgirls’ second goal. After a deep blast by Alex Morris was deflected over the bar by Pruner, the ensuing corner kick paid off for OSU.
Laudan Wilson delivered the ball into the box, where Breiner rose up and headed the ball into the back of the net for her first goal of the season.
Ray would get her second score of the game in the 83rd minute, this one off an Alex Morris assist. It marked Ray’s second brace in an OSU uniform – she also achieved the feat last season against Little Rock.
Alex Morris capped the day with her first goal of the season, driving the ball into the box and then delivering a left-footed shot to the far post.
The Cowgirls return to action Saturday at San Diego State. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. (CDT).