HAMMOND, La. – After allowing the go-ahead goal in the 11^th minute of the first half, the McNeese women's soccer team was unable to score the equalizer down the stretch and fell to league leader Southeastern Louisiana by a 1-0 margin on Sunday afternoon in Hammond.
 
The Cowgirls (3-5-1, 1-2 SLC) saw their three-game unbeaten streak snapped as the Lady Lions (9-1, 2-0 SLC) picked up their third consecutive victory of the season.
 
"Today's match was played evenly well by both teams," said head coach Scooter Savoie. It is a tough environment to play in here in Hammond so for our team to come into their place and play well against one of the top teams in our conference is a testament to our work ethic this season."
 
Kayla Vera netted the game-winner for Southeastern Louisiana with a header off of a cross ball that slipped by the keeper at the 11:28 mark to give the Lady Lions the lead.
 
"The SLU goal was scored off of a well executed play with their player getting to where she can be in position and finish the play," said Savoie.
 
The Cowgirls were unable to break through for the equalizer after SLU's early goal. Freshman striker Gabi D'Alesandro set the pace for McNeese in the attack by leading in shots with two while recording the only shot on frame. Seniors Amanda Denton and Krista Steinbeiser each sent off a shot in the match while sophomore Savannah LaRicci was also able to log in a shot.
 
"The game opened up a lot more in the second half and we were able to get some good looks," said Savoie. "Amanda (Denton) had a good look that just missed the post that could have tied the match while a few more of our players were able to get some shots off as well."
 
The McNeese "Steel Curtain" defense once again dominated the match after holding the Lady Lions, who entered the match averaging a league high 15 shots per game, to only seven throughout the contest. SLU outshot the Cowgirls 7-5 while both teams finished with two corner kicks each.
 
Junior goalkeeper Maggie Marks had another outstanding day in between the posts as she recorded four saves on the five on-target shots that she faced in 90 minutes of action.
 
"I thought Maggie did an excellent job in goal today where she was able to come up with a couple of big plays to keep us in the game," said Savoie. "I thought our backline had a great day today as well.
 
McNeese has now held its opposition to only 4.5 shots on average during the second half of each contest and has allowed only four total goals in the second half and overtime periods this season.
 
"With it being this early in conference we have a chance to get this result back later and I think overall we had a good weekend and got the points we needed," said Savoie. "We showed two of the best teams in conference this weekend that we can play with anybody and are looking forward to the challenges ahead."
 
McNeese will now travel to Huntsville, Texas on Sunday, Sept. 28 where they will battle Sam Houston State in a match scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. The Cowgirls are poised for their first road victory at Sam Houston State since 2004 as well as their first road win of the 2014 season.