CONWAY, Ark – The 2019 McNeese Soccer season came to a close on Friday night in a loss to Northwestern State in the semifinals. The Cowgirls fought until the very end as they came up short after a rebounded shot would send the Pokes home. The No. 6 seeded Cowgirls were defeated by No. 2 Northwestern by a golden goal in the first overtime period. 
 
Throughout the season McNeese started out hot but then overcame every late season obstacle thrown its way. The Pokes started out on fire at 9-3, with two of those losses from the SEC's Arkansas and LSU. Within the hot start, McNeese set a school record by winning seven straight matches. The Cowgirls were struck with multiple injuries later in the season and suffered devastating losses that came within a small margin. 
 
The Pokes made their 15^th consecutive appearance in the Southland Conference Tournament. McNeese was set to face Abilene in the first round for the third straight year. The Cowgirls, seeded at No. 6, upset ACU in the first round.  
 
The program bid farewell to four outstanding student athletes Rachel Palet, Juna Suppan, Rebecca Adcock, and Alexis Rodriguez, who exited as the winningest class in McNeese history. 
 
 
1^st HALF
Both the Lady Demons and the Cowgirls remained evenly matched throughout the first half. McNeese shot the ball four times, compared to NSU's five. Two of McNeese's shot were put on frame by the senior Palet, and Kiana Kukaua. Both teams were scoreless at the half. 
 
2^nd HALF
The second period did not differ much from the first as both teams fought hard and played smart. At the end of the second, NSU had four shots, two on goal, and McNeese got six shots off, with three on target. The last Lady Demon shot put in frame looked as if it were going in just under the crossbar, but Emma Roccaforte added to her outstanding performance with an Incredible save. The match was sent into overtime after another scoreless half. 
 
OT
NSU would not hold back as they put the ball on frame twice within three minutes of each other. Emma Roccaforte continued to shine as she blocked both shots to keep McNeese in the game. 
 
97'- Northwestern was awarded a corner kick in the seventh minute of overtime. After a save by Roccaforte the ball conveniently rolled to the feet of Olivia Draguicevich, who finished the ball on an open goal. 
 
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH DREW FITZGERALD
"It was a heck of a game and neither team deserved to lose, but NSU came up big late and earned their way into the final.  Credit to them for being a great team and an incredibly hard-working group.  For us, I'm disappointed that we couldn't get it done, but so proud of this team and who they became over the course of the year.  They battled through lots of adversity and we are blessed to have had the opportunity to work with them."
 
QUOTING SENIOR REBECCA "BEX" ADCOCK
"It was a great run with these girls by my side. I've never seen a team more resilient, headstrong and energetic than THIS team. I am so proud of what we put together this season and excited to see the team excel in the upcoming years. I am grateful for my experience here and know that I will be able to count on these teammates and friends that I've made here for the rest of my life. Geaux Pokes!"