LAKE CHARLES – The McNeese State women's soccer team's season came to end Friday night as the Cowgirls dropped a 1-0 heartbreaker to Lamar but did not walk away empty-handed as they saluted five outstanding seniors for their hard work and dedication on and off of the field.
 
McNeese finished its season with a 6-11 overall record and a 3-8 mark in league play. Lamar improved to 8-11-1 and 4-6-1 in conference action.
 
The Cowgirls fought hard for the first 45 minutes of the game, holding one of the most potent offenses to just five shots in the first half as Lamar could gain no ground.
 
However, the Cardinals caught a break in the 55^th minute when M.J. Eckert found a ball deflected off a shot attempt and found the back of the net to give Lamar the advantage.
 
"Obviously, there was a lot at stake for us today and we were expecting this to be a good match," said McNeese head coach Scooter Savoie. "Both teams played well and it was a good little stand-off in the first half. In the second half, it was all about who was going to win the flank and each team had a different approach. Lamar finally got the break and the goal. We had some opportunities but were unable to take advantage of the chances created."
 
Down one goal and trying to gain momentum, McNeese attempted nine shots but was unable to execute any of their strategic plays.
 
McNeese recognized seniors Sarah Bricker, Kelsie Greenough, Maggie Marks, Michelle Petrarca and Lauren Sestak following the match. The five seniors were some of the most influential student-athletes to enter the Cowgirl soccer program. The group accrued 28 victories throughout their careers and finished in the top ten and set records in the all-time program record books.
 
"I am very proud of our seniors for their play this evening," said Savoie. "They have put their hearts into this program over the last four years and have done a great job in what they have contributed in their time here."
 
Bricker leaves as the all-time leader in minutes played with 6,657 and is finished with the fifth most games played in a career. She also recorded two goals and an assist during her time with McNeese and even posted a game winner. 
 
Marks and Sestak, both of the Cowgirls' senior goalkeepers, walk away after having etched their name in almost every goalkeeping category for McNeese.
 
Marks ranks third all-time in wins (11) and shutouts (8.2) and ranks in the top ten of five other categories. She finished with 131 total saves and only 41 goals allowed.
 
Sestak ranks third all-time in save percentage (.795) after having finished with 136 saves and only allowed 35 goals in her career. Her ten victories ranks her fourth all-time along with 5.3 shutouts that ranks tied for fifth. She also ranks in the top ten of five other goalkeeper categories.
 
Greenough finished with an assist and over 3,300 minutes of playing time in her playing career. She started in 42 matches and played in 67 total and helped her team to 20 shutouts overall in her four years of work.
 
Petrarca was key in the McNeese defense as she helped the Cowgirls post 16 shutouts during her time and finished with two goals scored, one a game-winner, in over 3,200 minutes played.
 
Despite the loss, the Cowgirls controlled most of the game, leading 18-12 in total shots while Lamar held an 8-0 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Marks saw time in the first half and came away with two saves while Sestak finished the contest and recorded three saves to close the night.
 
Sophomore Gabi D'Alesandro paced the way offensively with seven shots and four on-goal attempts on the night while all four of junior Bettina Brulhart's shots were on target.
 
D'Alesandro finished the year as the top scorer with four goals and four assists for 12 points. Brulhart finished second with three goals and three assists. Kayla Goedicke and Sara Ortiz also finished with three goals on the year.