LAKE CHARLES— In order to build a winning program, you must have the right pieces to the puzzle, so when Ayla Guzzardo was named McNeese head women's basketball coach on March 24, she mentioned bringing her players from Southeastern, and she wasn't joking.  Why not bring the players you recruited and who have helped you win two of the last three Southland Conference regular season championships and appeared in two postseason tournaments.

"When I decided to take the job at McNeese, I knew that leaving our players would be one of the hardest parts," Guzzardo said.  "I'm so thankful for the relationship and culture that we have built from Southeastern that nine of my players decided to follow us to McNeese. They believe in us and each other and know what it takes to win championships. They are all excited to bring those championships to Lake Charles. Each one of them are bringing a special piece to our puzzle and we are excited for this new journey with our family." 

The nine players from Guzzardo's 2024-25 championship team, posted a 26-6 overall record 19-1 SLC record along with a WBIT invitation.

Included in the nine players coming from Southeastern is the Southland's two-time Defensive Player of the Year in Jalencia Pierre, the 2022 SLC Freshman of the Year in Kaili Chamberlin, and the 2023 SLC Freshman of the Year in Lexi Alexander.

Also headed to McNeese Arianna Patton, Allasia Washington, Tyreona Sibley, Jaslynn Walter, Avari Berry, and Mo'Nique Joseph. 
Guzzardo is also pleased to announce that Paris Guillory has decided to return for her junior season.
 
PLAYER BREAK DOWN
JALENCIA PIERRE- Two-time SLC Defensive Player of the Year (2024, 2025)…three-time SLC All-Defensive team (2023, 2024, 2025)..All-SLC (2^nd team/2025)…ranked third in the SLC in steals this season with 66 (2.1…led Southeastern and ranked fifth in the SLC in assists with 121 (3.8 apg.)
KAILI CHAMBERLIN- Began her career at McNeese where she was named the 2022 SLC and Louisiana Freshman of the Year…All-SLC (2^nd team/2022)…All-Louisiana (3^rd team/2022)…averaged 3.5 ppg. and 1.5 rpg. this season.
LEXI ALEXANDER- 2023 SLC Freshman of the Year…All-Louisiana (2^nd team/2023)…All-SLC (2^nd team/2024)…averaged 6.8 ppg. and led Southeastern in rebounds (6.0 rpg.) this season.
ARIANNA PATTON- Played in and started in all 32 games this season…averaged 20.3 minutes per game and 5.6 ppg...tied for a team high 40 three-pointers made…credited with 22 assists and 28 steals.
ALLASIA WASHINGTON- Played in 23 games this season…averaged 6.5 ppg. and 2.7 rpg…shot 36.1 percent from the field and 69.1 percent from the free throw line…scored a career high 19 points against NW State (1/18/25)…scored in double figures in seven games.
TYREONA SIBLEY- Played in 32 games…averaged 13.7 minutes per game…averaged 3.9 ppg. and 3.4 rpg…credited with 27 assists and 33 steals…shot 41.1 percent from the field…scored in double figures in five games.
JASLYN WALTER- Spent the 2024-25 season as a redshirt
AVARI BERRY- Played in 32 games this season…averaged 1.9 ppg. and 1.3 rpg…tied for third on the team with 42 assists and fourth on the team with 35 steals…shot 48.0 percent from the field.
MO'NIQUE JOSEPH- Played in 18 games…averaged 3.9 minutes per game…averaged 0.5 ppg. and 0.6 rpg…previously transferred from Indian River Community College.
PARIS GUILLORY- Played in 18 games and started in 15 due to an injury as a member of the 2024-25 McNeese team...led the Cowgirls in scoring (13.8 ppg.) and 3-point field goal percent (36.4)...averaged 13.9 ppg. in SLC games...scored in double figures in 14 of 18 games played...averaged 4.3 rpg.
 
2025-26 McNeese Cowgirls Roster 
Lexi Alexander, 6-0, Sr., Forward, Round Rock, Texas
Jalencia Pierre, 5-5, Sr., Guard, Springfield, La.
Arianna Patton, 5-5, Gr., Guard, Meridian, Miss.
Allasia Washington, 5-8, Sr., Guard, Baton Rouge, La.
Kaili Chamberlin, 5-9, Gr., Guard, Medford, Ore.
Tyreona Sibley, 5-8, So., Guard, Baton Rouge, La.
Jaslynn Walter, 5-10, So., Guard, Nashville, Tenn.
Avari Berry, 5-6, Jr., Guard, Pflugerville, Texas
Mo'Nique Joseph, 6-1, Sr., Forward, Lake Worth, Fla.
Paris Guillory, 5-7, Jr., Guard, Lake Charles, La.