LAKE CHARLES- The McNeese Cowgirl soccer team reported to fall camp on Wednesday under the direction of fourth-year head coach Drew Fitzgerald. The Cowgirls are coming off a historic 2018 season after the team set a school record with 13 wins.
 
The Pokes began fall camp with a one-mile timed run.
 
"Overall, I'm very happy with the team. There are a few that can improve, but overall, I'm very happy," said Fitzgerald when asked about the physical condition of the team.
 
The Cowgirls are entering camp with nine new additions to the squad - Abby Richeson, Kambrie McFarland, Jillian Bech, Kiana Kukaua, Rachel Young, Megan Donovan, Oliva Broussard, Kelly Hines, and Carrie Kotoucek - to go along with 19 returners.
 
"We have so many new players, so we are trying to find out where everyone fits," said Fitzgerald. "We have a preconceived notion of where they are going to go but we don't know until they get out on the field this week."
 
Following the mile run, the Cowgirls worked on fundamental defending and the overall idea of the defense foundation.
 
"We are setting the foundation of what we do. Today's practice was the defensive foundation and tonight's will be the offensive foundation, and once our foundation is set, we will figure out where everyone will fit in," said Fitzgerald.
 
McNeese will continue camp on Thursday morning at 9 with the "Sebcoe" test followed by another training session and practice at 3:30.