LAKE CHARLES---Freshman Lyla Kahrimanovic started her collegiate career off on a high note by scoring a game high 17 points in leading the Cowgirls to a season opening 99-19 win over Southeastern Baptist Monday in its annual kid's game.
 
The native of Woodinville, Washington connected on 8 of 13 from the field and grabbed seven rebounds along with six steals while dishing out four assists.
 
Sophomore Azjah Reeves (13 pts.) and Junior Julia Puente (10 pts.) also scored in double figures.  Reeves, Wilnie Joseph, and Daniela Vallecilla all pulled down six rebounds apieces.
 
As a team, McNeese outrebounded Southeastern Baptist 61-25 with 32 of the 65 rebounds coming on the defensive end.  McNeese ended the game with 22 assists and 21 steals with only eight turnovers.
 
McNeese scored the first14 points of the game to take an early lead. The first Cowgirl points of the season came from Mireia Yespes' free throw and a layup with just over five minutes left in the opening quarter.  The Cowgirls held 20-4 lead after the first period before going into the half with a 43-9 lead. 
 
The Cowgirls opened the second half by outscoring the Chargers 27-6 in the third quarter then closed out the game by outscoring Southeastern College 29-4.
 
McNeese will host College of Biblical Studies at 5 p.m. Thursday in a doubleheader with the Cowboys in the second of three straight homes games for the Cowgirls to start the season.
 
 
GAME NOTES
• Cowgirls open season with 99-19 win which is the third largest margin of victory in program history
• Three Cowgirls scored in double figures with freshman Lyla Kahrimanovic leading the way with 17 points
• Kahrimanovic also led the Cowgirls with six steals and four assists
• Azjah Reeves scored 13 points and Julia Puente added 10 points
• McNeese outrebounded Southeastern Baptist College 61-25
• The Cowgirls shot 73.3 percent from the field (42-88)
• All 13 Cowgirls that dressed out scored at least two points