LAKE CHARLES, La. – After a scoreless first half between Louisiana Tech and McNeese State, the Cowgirls were able to capitalize on two long-range plays to come away with the 2-0 win on Friday night at Cowgirl Field.
 
LA Tech (2-2-0) had a 15-minute span in the first half when they generated four shot attempts.  One was a low liner by Sophie Fijneman that crept wide of the post and the other three were saved by the opposing keeper. 
 
On the other end, McNeese (2-1-0) had a late flurry right before halftime that required five saves by Libe Banuelos.
 
The nil-nil score was broken up by Anna Watson on a 40-yard free kick that drifted into the back corner of the net in the 59th minute.  The Cowgirls doubled their score six minutes later when another long ball went the way of the home team as Morgan Schooley's clearance from midfield ended up hitting the crossbar, then was followed up for a goal by Abbi Morrell.
 
QUOTABLES
Interim head coach Steve Voltz
 
"We competed hard, playing the way we wanted to play.  At the end of the day, we lost to two goals that started 40 yards out.  We did not get broken down defensively.  Our players have been doing a really good job of keeping things in front of them.  It was just two long, direct balls creating something out of nothing.  I liked the way we moved forward and attacked.  There is no quit in this group.  We just need some of those bounces to fall our way."
 
NOTABLES

• Libe Banuelos got her second start in net, registering six saves.She now has a team-high 18 saves in three games she has seen action.
• Along with goalkeeper Libe Banuelos, defenders Josie Studer and Laura Ogando went the full 90 minutes.Studer, now in her third season, has gone the distance in 24 career matches.
• For a second straight game, Anna Loftus led the team in shots.The senior had two shots attempts versus the Cowgirls, both coming on goal.Seven of her nine attempts this season have been on goal.
• The series is now knotted up at 5-5-0.

UP NEXT
With Sunday's home match against Southeastern postponed, LA Tech will not return to the pitch until Wednesday, Sept. 1 when they travel to Natchitoches to face Northwestern State.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
 
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