LAKE CHARLES – Despite making a comeback with just seconds left in regulation and hanging tough in extra periods, the McNeese State soccer team was not able to take advantage of several early scoring opportunities in Friday night's double overtime duel that found Sam Houston State the victor in a 2-1 affair.
 
Within the first 28 minutes of the game, the Cowgirls (4-6, 1-3 SLC) found themselves on three different breakaways, including two fantastic scoring chances by junior Kayla Goedicke in the opening minutes, but were unable to get by the talented Sam Houston State (6-4-1, 3-1 SLC) goalkeeper.
 
"I thought we played with a lot of courage this evening," said head coach Scooter Savoie. "This is the third game in a row to go to double overtime and we knew coming into conference that these games would be close. I give our team props for fighting throughout the game."
 
"However, we did miss some opportunities that we created for ourselves early that impacted the game. We also got away from creating the simple pass and they kept us under pressure."
 
The Bearkats lit up the scoreboard in the 73^rd minute of the match when Madison Cannon's shot that deflected off the crossbar found Allie Johnson, who in turn, chipped in a shot past McNeese's goalie to go up 1-0 over the Pokes.
 
"I knew they were eventually going to score that first goal after we got away with some breaks," said Savoie. "That goal did slow the game down which gave us an opportunity to make a late play that helped keep us alive."
 
With time running out and both teams fighting to get into position for a victory, sophomore Sara Ortiz came up big for the second match in a row as her break away shot rolled past the keeper and provided the equalizer with only 24 seconds left in regulation. Freshman Morgan Middleton was credited with her second assist of the season after finding Ortiz within the set.
 
However, it proved not to be the Cowgirls' night as Madison Cannon provided the golden goal for Sam Houston State in the 106^th minute after firing off a shot from outside the center of the box.
 
The double overtime period was the third consecutive for the Cowgirls, who were edged by Central Arkansas last Friday before downing Northwestern State in extra play two days later.
 
"Both teams played well and tie would have been great for both teams because they each deserved a reward for their effort tonight," said Savoie.
 
McNeese senior goalkeeper Maggie Marks provided one of her best outings as a Cowgirl as she gathered a career high 11 saves between the posts. Marks now has 112 saves in her career that ranks her ninth on the all-time list.
 
The Cowgirls churned out 17 shots on the evening with eight on goal while Sam Houston State turned in 22 shots, 13 of which were on goal.
 
Goedicke led the offensive effort with five shots while freshman Gabi D'Alesandro followed with three on the night. Together, nine different McNeese players were credited with a shot.
 
McNeese will be back in action Sunday afternoon when it plays host to Stephen F. Austin. The game is slated to kick off at 1 p.m. at Cowgirl Field and will be available to watch via live stream at McNeeseSports.com/watch.