The Cowgirls are now first place in the Southland Conference women’s basketball standings after wins against Stephen F. Austin Jan. 29 and Lamar Saturday on the road, and Houston Christian at home Thursday. 

Following their wins, the Cowgirls have a 19-4 overall record and 13-1 in conference. 

Behind them are UTRGV with overall record of 14-9 and conference record of 11-3, and Lamar with overall record of 14-7 and conference record of 11-3. 

In the match against Stephen F. Austin, the Ladyjacks kept a close game at the start, with SFA leading 14 –10 after the first quarter. The Cowgirls clawed their way back into the lead headed into the half, scoring 18 more points and going into the tunnel with a 28-26 lead.  

Coming out of the locker room, the Cowgirls had momentum up until a four-point possession by the Ladyjacks, which put the Cowgirls in a 39-43 situation with about two minutes left in the third quarter. However, the Cowgirls came back in the fourth quarter and sent the game into overtime. Forward Lexi Alexander led the team into a 10-point gain on SFA, ending the game at 70-64 in favor of the Cowgirls. 

McNeese had a better start in the game against Lamar, scoring 31 points to Lamar’s 19. Although they stumbled coming out of the halftime break, only scoring 8 points to Lamar’s 19 in the third quarter, they fixed their mistakes in the fourth quarter and claimed victory with a final score of 64-52.  

Following the road games, the Cowgirls returned home on Thursday to play against Houston Christian where they secured an 83-35 win. 

Head Coach Ayla Guzzardo said the match was a “great win” for the team.  

“Very thankful we could put the ball in the hole tonight,” Guzzardo said. “Ready for another one on Saturday.” 

McNeese will take on Incarnate word Saturday at the Townsley Law Arena at 1 p.m.