LAKE CHARLES- The McNeese Cowgirls (9-4-0, 5-1-0 SLC) are set to host Incarnate Word (6-7-0, 5-1-0 SLC) on Friday night in a match to stay atop the Southland Conference standings.
 
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at Cowgirl Field. The Pokes lead the Cardinals 4-1-1 in the all-time series. The Cowgirls have come out on top in the last four matches. McNeese defeated UIW in last year's contest by a 1-0 decision.
 
SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE
 
McNeese, UIW, and Lamar are all currently tied for first in conference standings with a 5-1 SLC record. Week nine conference action pits the top four teams against each other McNeese and Lamar will both host UIW and ACU this weekend.
 
 
PREVIOUS OUTINGS
 
The Cowgirls are returning after their first conference loss of the season on Sunday. The 3-2 loss to SHSU was also the first loss for the Pokes at Cowgirl Field this season. McNeese was unable to remain undefeated in conference despite heading into halftime up 1-0.
 
Carissa Adams earned her second goal of the season with her 43^rd minute goal just before the half. Anna Watson scored her sixth goal of the season in the second half with a 51^st minute goal to put the Cowgirls up 2-0. The Bearkats got their first goal of the match off a penalty kick in the 66^th minute. The Pokes would go on to allow the equalizer in the 68^th and the game-winner in the 76^th.
 
The Cardinals are coming off a 3-2 overtime win over HBU on Sunday. The golden goal was score by Keeley Ayala in just the 3^rd minute of overtime play. UIW outshot the huskies 26(11) to 9(3). Ayala earned her sixth penalty goal of the season while also picking up her fifth multiple-point game in conference play.
 
 
MCNEESE LEADERS
 
Junior forward Havana Johnson is currently fifth in conference in shots and shots per game with 37 shots and 3.08 per game.
 
In SLC statistics junior forward Anna Watson is tied at sixth in points and points per game with 14 points and 1.08 points per game. Watson also leads the team with six goals and is in a three-way tie for fifth in the conference. On the national leaderboard Watson is tied for 14^th in shot accuracy in the NCAA.
 
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH DREW FITZGERALD
 
"This is a big weekend for everyone in the conference.  Things could really start to be clear at both the top and the bottom, but my bet would be that the waters are still really muddy after this weekend.  Our job is to get back to playing a style of soccer that we feel good about and to put together 180 (or more) minutes of quality play.  The rest will take care of itself."
 
"UIW gave us a run last year in the match at their place and they've only gotten better.  Watching film, we've been most impressed with their organization defensively.  Scoring on them will be tough and they have been playing with a ton of confidence."
 
 
 
FOLLOW THE GAME
 
Fans will be able to follow the match through live stats at mcneesesports.com or on Twitter @McNeeseSoccer. Friday night's contest will also be streamed on You Tube @McNeeseSports.