LAKE CHARLES – After weeks of preparation and hard work, the McNeese Cowgirl soccer team will open up its 2018 season Friday night when it visits Prairie View at 7 p.m. 
 
The Cowgirls have spent the last two weeks preparing for their season opener by battling through the summer heat along with a pesky weather system that dumped torrential amounts of rain across Louisiana. However, third year head coach Drew Fitzgerald is excited about the mindset of the Cowgirl squad, who are ready to play against someone other than themselves.

"I think everyone is just excited to get to play an opponent other than ourselves.  Not having an exhibition game has really dragged out preseason and the team is ready to compete," said Fitzgerald. "The players have done a great job of staying focused and getting better each session, but it can be tough not having an opponent from another school to play against.  Prairie View has been one of the top SWAC teams in its conference so we know it'll be a bit of test for our young squad."

McNeese returns six starters and 12 total letterwinners from last year's team that posted a 12-5-2 overall record and tied for second in the Southland Conference with an 8-3 mark. Included in those returners are seniors Nola Prickett and Morgan Middleton who combined for more than 2,200 minutes for the Cowgirls last season with a combined four goals and 12 points.
 
The Lady Panthers return seven starters from a 2017 squad that finished 6-9-2.


McNeese holds an 8-0 advantage in the overall series against Prairie View A&M that began back in 2002. The Cowgirls defeated PVAM 4-0 last season behind goals from graduated Cowgirl Savannah LaRicci, returning defender Emilee Mayes, and returning midfielders Anna Watson and Nola Prickett.
 
McNeese has outscored the Lady Panthers by a 35-4 count in the series.

Fans can follow Friday's match with live stats on McNeeseSports.com while fans can also follow @McNeeseSoccer on Twitter for live in-game updates.
 
Also, it has been announced that McNeese's home game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Aug. 26 will be televised live on Cox Sports TV and on ESPN+ outside of the CST viewing area. This will be the first time McNeese has ever hosted an SEC opponent.