LAKE CHARLES – It is a homecoming that is long overdue for the McNeese women's soccer team who returns to the confines of Cowgirl Field for its home opener against Texas State Friday evening at 7 p.m.
 
With the constant thunderstorms that have plagued Louisiana over the last two weeks, the Cowgirls had to move both of its home exhibitions to neutral sites as well as its season opener against Prairie View A&M.
 
However, the Cowgirls (1-0) got off to a superb start to the 2016 campaign by earning a comeback win over Louisiana Tech, 2-1, Wednesday night. Senior Bettina Brulhart provided the equalizer before sophomore Nola Prickett scored the game-winning goal.
 
The win was a special one for both McNeese, who picked up its third consecutive season opening win and new head coach Drew Fitzgerald, who scored his first career victory.
 
Texas State (2-0) enters the weekend undefeated after earning identical 2-0 victories over Lamar and Prairie View A&M. Four different players scored for the Bobcats over the first two contests with Katie Hormuth leading the way with three points and 12 total shots taken. Texas State finished 12-6 overall in 2015 and placed third in the Sun Belt with a 6-3 record. The Bobcats return two of its top three scorers from last season in Hormuth (11 points in 2015) and Lauren Prater (28 points).
 
The two teams will meet for the 27^th time with Texas State holding the series 17-8-1. The series began in 1999, with McNeese earning the win in that match against the Bobcats, 3-1 as well as last season's contest in San Marcos with a 1-0 win over Texas State.
 
The home opener will provide multiple promotions including free pizza for all McNeese students as well as a halftime appearance from the Parapokes skydiving team.
 
Fans who are unable to attend Friday's match can follow the action by clicking on the Live Stats link under the soccer schedule on McNeeseSports.com
 
In addition, fans can also get in-game updates as well as behind the scenes coverage of the Cowgirls by following @McNeeseSoccer on Twitter and by liking the McNeese Sports page on Facebook.
 
Admission to all home matches is free this season courtesy of the Lake Charles American Press.