LAKE CHARLES- The McNeese soccer (1-1-0) picked up its first win of the season over Nicholls (0-2-0) by a 2-0 decision Friday afternoon in its Southland Conference opener. 

Due to damage to Cowgirl field, Friday afternoon's contest was played at the Lake Charles Power Centre in 35-degree weather with winds as high as 16 mph.  

1st HALF: 
The Cowgirls got off to a rough start due to an unfamiliar starting lineup. Six starters were out with injury and a total of 11 Cowgirls weren't suited up due to injury. The Pokes quickly overcame the setback by maintaining possession for 67 percent of the first half. On top of dominating control of the game, McNeese shot the ball 15 times, seven of which were put on frame. The Cowgirls kept up the pressure in the attacking third and ended the half with 12 corner kicks. Senior goalkeeper, Emma Roccaforte was one of the six starters out of today's contest and was replaced by sophomore, Kelly Hines, who came up with three big saves in the first.  

"Poor finishing was a factor early on today," said head coach Drew Fitzgerald "It was a little choppy at first as people got used to each other, but I think the players really stepped up despite a lack of fitness due to unseen minutes.  Overall, we're really happy with all of their performances today." 

2nd Half 
In the second half McNeese took smarter shots and connected passes a lot better down the sideline. After a few missed opportunities in the first half, Havana Johnson finally found the back of the net in the 69th minute off a cross that was lobbed over the defender from Magalie Depot. Just seven minutes later, Depot once again sent in another cross, this time it was finished by Rachel Young to put the Cowgirls up 2-0. Hines matched her first half with three more saves in the net.  

"She's phenomenal," said Fitzgerald on Magalie Depot. "Not only is she a great player, but she's also a great teammate. She works hard in training, is always out on the field on her own, and has been a fantastic pick up for us." 

STATS: 
Goals: Johnson (69th), Young (77th) 
Assists: Depot-2 
Saves: Hines-6 
Shots: MCN-24, NICH-7 
Corners: MCN-13, NICH-3 

Up Next: 
McNeese improves to 1-1-0 on the year and will now get ready for two road games next weekend, at Incarnate Word on Friday and at Abilene Christian on Sunday.