TULSA, Okla. – The McNeese State soccer team dropped its first decision of the season by falling to Tulsa, 3-0, in a Sunday afternoon match at the Tulsa Hurricane Soccer complex.
 
The contest moved the Cowgirls to 3-1 overall while the Hurricanes improved to a perfect 4-0 record on the season.
 
It was the tough offensive attack of Tulsa, who returned all 11 starters this season, which ultimately overwhelmed the Cowgirls and broke loose for a one-goal effort in the first half followed by two netters in the final 45 minutes.
 
However, it was the collective effort from McNeese that challenged the strong Hurricane squad through the whole 90 minutes and forced the home team to make adjustments on its home turf.
 
The Hurricanes presented a barrage of shots during the first leg of the match but was surprised by the speed and the toughness of the Cowgirls. Despite the strong attack, the Cowgirls remained tough and stood toe-to-toe with one of the most potent offenses in the nation and either blocked or saved seven shots.
 
It was the 36^th minute of the match that broke the ice for both teams, as Tulsa was able to take an advantage of a foul committed by McNeese and scored from 30 yards out on a free kick. The bullet fired off from the Hurricanes' Sierra Krenik rocketed just over senior goalkeeper Lauren Sestak's head and Tulsa the 1-0 lead at the half.
 
Following intermission, the Hurricanes struck again with a goal in the 47^th minute as Christian Holmes snuck in a rebound shot that hit both posts and crossed into the goal from two yards out to help Tulsa take a 2-0 lead.
 
The Hurricanes struck again with its third and final goal of the match as McKenzi Adams punched in a goal from one yard out off of a cross.
 
Sestak was strong in goal through 67 minutes of play with six saves on 21 shots faced. Senior goalie Maggie Marks made a relief appearance and finished the match with two saves.
 
Tulsa attempted 25 total shots and 11 on goal while limiting McNeese to only four throughout the whole match. The Hurricanes also led in corners taken, 14-2.
 
Junior midfielder Bettina Brulhart led the team with two shots while sophomore Sierra Sisco and freshman Nola Pricket also attempted a shot.
 
McNeese returns home for its only contest of the week Friday night when they welcome in-state rival UL-Lafayette to Cowgirl Field for a match slated to kick off at 7 pm.