LAKE CHARLES—INTENSE! is one word that best describes the first official McNeese women's basketball practice under first year head coach Ayla Guzzardo.
 
From the day Guzzardo was hired, she stated that her practices are harder than games and she is true to her words.
 
Cowgirl fans will be treated to a team that is quick, gritty, physical, that hustles on every play, even to midcourt to conclude practice with a team prayer.   
 
But that won't surprise anyone who has followed Guzzardo coached teams in the past, today was another day to get better and to improve on the end goal- a championship of any kind as Guzzardo stated in her post practice interview. 
 
Whether it's playing for a Southland Conference Tournament Championship- something she has already accomplished while at Southeastern but is looking to win one as the Cowgirls head coach on the home court where the tournament will be played, she wants her teams to compete for championships, it's that plain and simple.
 
The Cowgirls went through a 2 hr.-15 min. practice where the Cowgirls went through several drills including both offensive and defensive drills against male practice players.
 
A lot of teaching also went on during practice despite Guzzardo bringing nine of her players with her from Southeastern who have been in her system in past years.  Three freshmen and one transfer are in the learning stages of a Guzzardo led team.
 
McNeese will host Pensacola Christian College on Nov. 3 in its season opener.  The game is designated as McNeese's Kid's game and tipoff is set for 11 a.m.