CONWAY, Ark. - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Lady Lions soccer team fell 4-0 to the University of Central Arkansas Bears at Bill Stephens Complex.

The Lady Lions battled as long as it could before giving up a goal in the 14th minute of the game as UCA's Connie Awuku-Darkoh put one in the back of the net. UAPB goal keeper Sariah Orocu finished with a game-high five saves in the loss and did not allow another goal in the first half as UAPB trailed 1-0 at the break. Before halftime, freshman defender Ga'Cole McGriff picked up a yellow card for her aggressive play.

"He (coach) moved around a lot of different people in different positions; we had attackers helping back on defense and I think we were organized a little better," said senior Rebecca Holmes. "We focused more on tracking back properly and making sure we are actually getting back on our marks. Our work ethic and our heart (as a team) were really big today."  

In the 56th minute of the ball game, UCA's Bria Williams snuck behind the Lady Lions defense and scored on a one on one finish to give the Bears a 2-0 lead. UCA added two more goals late in the second half to close the door on any comeback attempt, but as a team UAPB looked remarkably better than it did in the season opener and at times was able to possess the ball in the midfield.

"We were just very diligent about what we were trying to do in training about making sure that we're taking a step forward as a team," said UAPB head coach Dr. Ted Flogaites. "I thought we were a lot more organized at the start. We left a lot less space for other teams to be in. I thought our level of care was higher; our willingness to compete in the air and tackle was much better, and as a result we were a lot more competitive."

The Bears finished with a total of 26 shots.

UAPB (0-2) returns to action on Sunday, September 9 as it plays host to Abilene Christian University. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in the home opener at Pumphrey Stadium.