LAKE CHARLES—McNeese beach volleyball will make history on Friday when the Cowgirls play their first ever match against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 1 p.m. in its own Cowgirl Beach Bash that will take place at South Beach on McNeese Street. 
 
The Islanders are predicted to repeat as champions while the Cowgirls were picked to tie for seventh place in the preseason SLC poll.
 
In its inaugural season, the Cowgirls are coached by Yasmin Tan who also serves as an indoor volleyball assistant coach.
 
The Cowgirls will also welcome preseason No. 20 Cal Poly, Nicholls, and Tarleton State for the two-day tournament.
 
All the action begins at 9 a.m. Friday morning with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi facing Nicholls.  Cal Poly and Tarleton State will follow in an 11 a.m. match.  After the Cowgirls' 1 p.m. match against the Islanders, Cal Poly will face Nicholls at 3 p.m. before the Cowgirls and Tarleton State close out Friday's action at 5 p.m. 
 
Saturday's matches will begin at 9 a.m. McNeese will face Cal Poly at 11 a.m. and Nicholls in the last match of the tournament at 5 p.m.
 
Making up the Cowgirls squad, also called the "Sandy Pokes" will be senior Nadia Manitzas, juniors Kendall Osgood and Carissa Chainey, sophomores Jolie Savoie, Harlee Tupper, Gracey Janes and Luciana Chuong.  Making their collegiate debut will be freshmen Emily Koetsier, Rylee Lansing, Ella Swansiger, Isabella Ceja, and Kaylene Gohmann.
 
2024 Cowgirl Beach Bash
Friday, Feb. 23
9 a.m.    Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. Nicholls
11 a.m.  Cal Poly vs. Tarleton State
1 p.m.    Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. McNeese
3 p.m.    Cal Ploy vs. Nicholls
5 p.m.    Tarleton State vs. McNeese
 
Saturday, Feb. 24
9 a.m.    Cal Poly vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
11 a.m.  Cal Poly vs. McNeese
1 p.m.    Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. Tarleton State
3 p.m.    Nicholls vs. Tarleton State
5 p.m.    Nicholls vs. McNeese