Townsley Law Arena

The McNeese women’s basketball team secured another pre-season win against Southern University in the Townsley Law Arena yesterday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m.

The close 61-58 defeat over the Jaguars is the Cowgirls’ second closed-scrimmage win. The team beat Grambling State last week in an impressive 75-54 shutout.

McNeese’s leading scorer was Allasia Washington, who ended with 14 points. Washington tied with Jalencia Pierre for steals, each with three out of the team’s 10 total steals.

Lexi Alexander led the team with six total rebounds, three on the offense and three on the defense. Dakota Howard and Tyreona Sibley followed Alexander with five rebounds each.

Six of the Cowgirls helped the team in assists. Jalencia Pierre, Allasia Washington, Kaili Chamberlin, Avari Berry, Mo’Nique Joseph and Carley Hamilton, each ended the game with two assists.

The Cowgirls fought hard in this scrimmage and held the lead for over 37 minutes, with their biggest lead being 15 points. The team shot 66.7-percent from the free-throw line, 42.6-percent in field goals and 23.1-percent from the three.

McNeese only allowed 13 points on 20 turnovers and were able to gain 30 points on Southern’s 27 turnovers. The Cowgirls scored 38 points in the paint, 14 points off fast breaks and scored 11 second-chance points. Off-the-bench players aided the team with 21 points.

Overall, this is a big win for McNeese. Last year, Southern had a 15-3 conference record and was first in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Jaguars also won the SWAC conference championship, earning them a spot in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

On Nov. 3, the Cowgirls are competing in their season opener versus Pensacola Christian College. Head coach Ayla Guzzardo and the team are excited to kick off the season right, turning the program around from last year’s 10-21 overall record.