HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Junior striker Gabi D'Alesandro's game-winning goal in the first half of action provided the McNeese women's soccer squad its first Southland Confernece victory of the season with a 1-0 win over Sam Houston State Friday evening in Huntsville.
 
With both teams just seconds away from heading to intermission, the Cowgirls were granted a free kick following a Sam Houston State foul. The initial setup belonged to senior Bettina Brulhart but her fake attempt confused the Bearkat defense and before there was time to adjust they look on as D'Alesandro landed her shot perfectly in the left corner of the net to give McNeese the lead.
 
The Cowgirls, who have struggled to start fast and early in the last few games were on fire as they attempted a good amount of shots and continued to play solid defense throughout the entire match. The shutout is McNeese's second on the year.
 
D'Alesandro's goal was her second of the season and her first game-winner this year. She now becomes the fifth different Cowgirl to score two or more goals this season.
 
Junior Annie Bravenec turned in her second clean sheet of the season after dodging 11 shots from the Bearkat offense and also made six saves in the game, a mark that tied her season-high.
 
Senior Hannah Sutherland led the entire McNeese squad with three shots, including two on goal, while D'Alesandro was second with two shots.
 
Sam Houston State led in shots on the night with an 11-9 advantage. The Bearkats attempted seven of those shots in the second half. Each team took three shots apiece.
 
The Cowgirls will be back in action Sunday afternoon when they face off against Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN3.