LAKE CHARLES- The McNeese Cowgirls (4-2-1, 1-0-0) defeated the Nicholls Colonels (0-4-0, 0-1-0) 2-0 in the Southland Conference opening game thanks to Jillian Bech and Rachel Young's first goals of the season. Keely Morrow assisted on both.

The Cowgirls maintained control throughout the game holding a 63-37 percent advantage in the time of possession battle. Freshman goalkeeper Jackie Kelly finished the game with a clean sheet, most notably making a full body extension save on Nicholls first free kick attempt 7 minutes into the game.

Unsurprisingly, Nicholls started energetic as it was their first game since August 26 due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. 

The aforementioned start by Nicholls was able to combat the early attacks the Pokes made but it wouldn't be long before the McNeese got on the board as they outshot Nicholls 11-2 in the first half. 

Key Moments
36' One minute after checking in, Sophomore Jillian Bech scored her first career goal. The goal was assisted by Kiana Kukaua and Keely Morrow as Morrow headed Kukaua's free kick off the post which found the feet of Bech.

68' Rachel Young dribbled across the box and scored on a sliding shot that just curved into the net due thanks to the noticeable amount of "English" Young put on the ball. Keely Morrow assisted. 

McNeese Head Coach Drew Fitzgerald
"I want to say we appreciate Nicholls coming and making it a game as we know they have been through a lot. They've been displaced living in Monroe and haven't trained for a while."

"Jill getting her first goal was great because she had a great week of training, she did everything we asked so we wanted to get her into the game. Having her score that fast (1 minute after checking in) was a pleasant surprise."

(On time of possession)
"We've been needing to have more of the ball as we have been working on that, and we still need to do better under pressure. We are getting better every week, every possession, so that's promising."

Notables:
Lake Charles native Jillian Bech scored her first career goal. 
Jackie Kelly's shutout streak extends to three games. 
Rachel Young scored her first goal of the season.
Keely Morrow recorded her first multi-assist game.
Defender Morgan Schooley played all 90 minutes. 
Cowgirls outshot Nicholls 21-5.
Anna Watson, Havana Johnson, and Abbi Morrell each had three shots. 

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Next Game: 
Conference play continues Sunday (Sept. 12) at home against Southeastern at 6 p.m.