LAKE CHARLES – The McNeese women's soccer team will be ready to do battle this weekend as it returns to Southland Conference action starting with Central Arkansas Friday night at 7 p.m. from Cowgirl Field.
 
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. A Live Stream will be available for the match as well for a minimal fee on McNeeseSports.com/watch.
 
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.
 
McNeese (4-4, 0-1 SLC) got back to its winning ways last Sunday when it defeated Prairie View A&M, 6-2, after having dropped a heartbreaking loss to Southeastern Louisiana on Friday. The Cowgirls are among the top offensive squads in the league with 18 total goals and 2.25 goals per game that ranks second among all SLC teams. The Cowgirls have attempted the fifth most shots in the conference with 102 while handing out the second most assists with 18.
 
Junior Savannah LaRicci ranks first in the conference with 15 points and six goals while junior Gabi D'Alesandro ranks third with four assists this season. D'Alesandro was credited with three assists in the Prairie View A&M game, a career-high mark. 
 
Central Arkansas (6-3, 1-0 SLC) has rolled during the first part of the regular season including a dominating 4-1 victory against Sam Houston State to open its conference slate while having won four of its last five matches. The Bears have allowed only seven goals through its first nine games and recorded the third most points in the league with 44.
 
Ashley Smith and Camille Bassett have combined for 18 points (eight goals and two assists) to lead the Bears while goalkeeper Anna Hughes holds a league-best 0.44 goals against average.
 
McNeese leads the all-time series against Central Arkansas, 5-4-1, with the Bears taking three of the last four meetings. UCA defeated the Cowgirls, 2-1, in double overtime last season in Conway while McNeese last won in the series back in 2014.
 
Following Friday's match, the Cowgirls will remain home to face in-state rival Northwestern State on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.
 
All home soccer games are free of admission courtesy of the American Press.