ABILENE, Texas--  The McNeese volleyball team's final four matches of the season didn't begin like the Cowgirls had hoped, falling 3-1 (25-27, 25-17, 25-23, 25-23) to Abilene Christian Thursday night.  The Cowgirls played without starter Rebecca Korenek, who missed the match due to a death in the family.

McNeese started the match with a 1-0 lead by taking the first set 27-25 behind a .238 hitting percent.  The Cowgirls collected 17 kills in 42 attempts and committed seven errors. The next three sets belonged to Abilene Christian.

The Wildcats tied the set one apiece with a 25-17 second set win that saw the Cowgirls struggle on offense in the set. After the break, ACU took a 2-1 lead with a 25-23 third set win and closed out the match with another 25-23 fourth set victory.

McNeese fell to 14-15 overall and 4-9 in the SLC while ACU improved to 5-22 overall and 3-10 in the SLC. Senior Rachel Cagnina led all players with a match high 18 kills and Malina Sanchez added 10.  Adison Giambrone and Sanchez were credited with 16 and 14 digs, respectively.

ACU was led in kills by Jennifer Loerch with 16 and Brooke Ray had a match high 29 digs.

McNeese will conclude its weekend with a 2 p.m. match at Incarnate Word Saturday.