PRAIRIE VIEW – McNeese Cowgirl soccer kicked off the 2018 season with a 1-0 shutout win over Prairie View here Friday night, with the lone goal coming off the foot of sophomore forward Havana Johnson in the 25th minute of the game.

The Cowgirls (1-0) dominated the match from start to finish, outshooting the Lady Panthers by a 25-3 margin including a 13-1 advantage in the first half. 

McNeese sophomore goalkeeper Emma Roccaforte, the 2017 Southland Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, continued her remarkable young career with a shutout while making three saves in the night. 

"Credit to Prairie View for keeping it interesting," said third-year head coach Drew Fitzgerald. "I thought we had many opportunities not to do better on the scoreboard, but we just couldn't find the back of the net."

McNeese was given four corner kick opportunities in the first period, two attempts by both Anna Watson and Mariah Ruelas, all four happening within the first 15 minutes of the match.

Six seconds before minute 26, Johnson netted the lone goal off of an assist from Keely Morrow. 

Much like the first half, the Cowgirls dominated the second half, outshooting Prairie View by a 12-2 margin while attempting five more corner kicks.

"I was disappointed that we got sloppy at the end, but it was the first game out so a little confusion is expected. It's something to build from and I'm glad we are leaving with the win," said Fitzgerald.

This is the ninth time the two teams have met, and with tonight's victory, McNeese remains unbeaten in the series that began in 2002.

The Cowgirls will return to action on Sunday when they visit TCU. 

The 1 p.m. game will air live on Fox Sports Southwest and online at FoxSportsGo.com. Live stats can be followed at McNeeseSports.com.