LAKE CHARLES – Following Friday night's contests around the league, the McNeese women's soccer team breathed a little easier as it found out that its ticket to the 2014 Southland Conference Tournament had been punched and is now headed to battle against Central Arkansas Sunday at 1 p.m. for a chance at securing the fourth seed in the postseason.
The Cowgirls (7-9-1, 5-5 SLC) currently sit tied for fourth in the regular season along with Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls. McNeese can finish anywhere from fourth to sixth spot but can clinch the No. 4 seed with a victory this weekend and a Southeastern Louisiana loss and Nicholls loss or a Southeastern Louisiana loss and Nicholls tie.
McNeese has gained momentum during the progression of the conference race, scoring a victory in three of its last five matches. The Cowgirls' five league victories are the most since the 2008 season. The Sugar Bears (5-10-2, 1-7-1), who are eliminated from postseason play, come into Sunday's match having dropped its last six matches.
Seven different Cowgirls have scored a goal this season as sophomore
Savannah LaRicci has led the charge with five goals and two assists. Senior
Krista Steinbeiser and freshman
Sierra Sisco follow close behind with three goals each.
Sophomore goalkeeper
Lauren Sestak looks to build on her solid performances this season. She currently owns a 0.83 goals against average along with three shutouts and 25 saves in seven starts. Her goals against average ranks third best in the Southland Conference.
Sunday's match will mark the 9th all-time meeting between McNeese and Central Arkansas, with the series knotted up 4-4. The Sugar Bears have won the last two matches in the series while the Cowgirls last victory against UCA came in a 3-0 decision in Lake Charles.
Fans who are unable to attend Sunday's match can follow the action by clicking on the Live Stats link under the soccer schedule on McNeeseSports.com.
In addition, fans can also get in-game updates as well as behind the scenes coverage of the Cowgirls by following @McNeeseSoccer on Twitter and by liking the McNeese Sports page on Facebook.
