LAKE CHARLES, La. - Kicking off the season looked a little different for the McNeese Soccer program as the Cowgirls took to the pitch at midnight Tuesday, the first known time in program history. 
 
"I think it was a good start and fun to be out and make it special," said head coach Drew Fitzgerald about the event. "I also think it's nice to beat the heat. The NCAA only lets you do it once a year."
 
"I think starting it off at midnight really helped us hit the ground running and get us amped up and motivated," said sophomore Karissa Illingworth. "We had adrenaline because it was a midnight practice but also starting off."
 
The team began with fitness tests right away, seeing all of the players running for the first time. As time ticked on, each player supported each other in the effort to finish with everyone cheering or running alongside each other.
 
Shortly after, the team participated in drills before scrimmaging against each other for some time. Each player worked with high intensity to get the season started off on the right foot.
 
"I think it went really well and it was better for the team not to be in the heat," continued Illingworth. "The ending scrimmage went well and the intensity was high."
 
Fitzgerald saw numerous players that worked hard and rose above and beyond to help the team overall.
 
Fitzgerald commented. "I thought some of the returners and players did a great job of getting themselves ready over the summer. Karissa stands out in that regard both in terms of the fitness side and organizing the group. I thought she did a great job stepping up."
 
At the conclusion of practice, the team participated in a team-bonding event by watching the U.S. Women's Soccer Team play Portugal. It was another opportunity to participate in events that normally wouldn't take place.
 
Illingworth noted, "It's exciting to watch them play. Since it's at 2 a.m., we wouldn't normally be up watching them, but it worked out perfectly to watch and take some pointers from them."
 
The team will take part in media day Tuesday to get team photos and individual headshots.