FRISCO, Texas – McNeese defender Alexandra Arvanitis has been named the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday morning. She is the first Cowgirl to earn a Southland Conference weekly award this season.

Arvanitis played all 180 minutes as the Cowgirls opened the 2026 season with a perfect 2-0 record, earning victories over Alcorn State and Southern Miss. The win over the Golden Eagles marked the program's first victory over Southern Miss, while Arvanitis anchored the McNeese back line throughout both matches.

Against Southern Miss, Arvanitis played a key role in the Cowgirls' defensive effort, helping McNeese record its first shutout of the season while limiting the Golden Eagles' scoring opportunities. Her defensive performance helped McNeese secure the historic victory and remain unbeaten through the opening weekend.

SLC Weekly Honors
Offensive: Alexandra Knight, Southeastern
Defensive: Alexandra Arvanitis, McNeese
Defensive Honorable Mention: Kaylie Harris, Nicholls
Goalkeeper: Aislinn Wright, Nicholls