PRAIRIE VIEW – The Cowgirls shut out another opponent for the fifth time this year after claiming victory in a 4-0 win on the road at Prairie View A&M University.

Second year head coach, Drew Fitzgerald says about the win, "Prairie View made us work for the win. I felt like our performance was, overall, below par, but we were able to put a few nice goals in." Last season, the Cowgirls defeated the Panthers 6-2, and with today's win, the series stays in favor of McNeese, as they have won every meeting between the two teams.

The Cowgirls scoring drive started with freshman midfielder Anna Watson, when she was able to bypass the Panther goalkeeper after taking a penalty kick post-Panther foul. The second goal of the match came in the 39^th minute, this one coming off the foot of junior Emilee Mayes, with the assistance of freshman teammates, Havana Johnson and Maddie Neidig. "I am excited to get the result we wanted today, along with the shutout. Being able to keep a clean sheet this whole weekend is huge for us and I'm pumped to go into conference play next weekend with such a great win on the road," Mayes says.

After leading 2-0 at halftime, the Cowgirls returned to the pitch for the next 45, prepared to continue their dominant offensive efforts. Junior Nola Prickett found the back of the net in with 57:53 on the clock after a cross from senior Savannah LaRicci, and LaRicci followed behind her teammates and secured the win with a fourth Cowgirl goal with just over 20 minutes remaining in regulation. LaRicci was assisted by Erin Winters for her second goal of the season.

LaRicci says, "A lot of different players worked for, and got goals this weekend with our eight total goals." The Cowgirls traveled to Prairie View after a 4-0 shutout win at home against Southern on Friday (Sept 8). "I think [the wins] give us a lot of confidence as we are heading into conference play next weekend. We've had a good preseason and shown a lot of improvement so I'm excited to see what we can achieve as a team this year."

LaRicci lead the Cowgirls with four shots on Sunday, bringing her season total to 23. Senior goal keeper Annie Bravenec earned the win with 61:34 in the goal and two saves. Freshman Emma Roccaforte wrapped up the game post-Bravenec, snagging six saves of her own to add to her statistical resume.

McNeese is now 4-2-1 on the 2017 season, currently the second best overall record in the Southland Conference. The match was the last of non-conference play for the Cowgirls as they enter conference play this Friday, when they host Southeastern at 7PM.
The home contest will be free for all fans, courtesy of American Press, and will be streamed live at McNeeseSports.com/watch. In game updates and all things regarding Cowgirl Soccer can be found by following McNeese on Twitter at @McNeeseSoccer.