HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team claimed a 2-1 victory over McNeese Thursday night at Strawberry Stadium.
SLU (5-3-1, 1-0 SLC) secured its opening Southland Conference victory against conference foe McNeese (5-5-0, 0-1 SLC) at home. The Lions stepped up with a solid win to kick off league action as they were able to maintain their momentum throughout the contest to hold off the Cowgirls. Sophomore Alexandra Knight and junior Lainey Connell connected in the net for the green and gold to gain the win. Senior goalkeeper Kendall Curran handled all the responsibilities in the net with five saves, playing all 90 minutes.
Southeastern came out the gate aggressive on its home field against McNeese, setting the tone of the match in the opening minutes. The hosts gained the upper hand early in the contest as Knight launched a goal into the net, two minutes into the first half as its quickest goal scored this 2026 season. Knight's goal helped SLU post a 1-0 advantage over the Cowgirls with early momentum, earning her sixth goal of the season to continue leading the squad.
The green and gold's momentum carried throughout the first half as McNeese battled in a push to equalize the match. Southeastern's back line maintained a solid defense effort to hold the visitors scoreless in the opening half. The Cowgirls worked to find an opportunity with six shots in the first half, but SLU's defense remained strong with counterattacks and quality possessions before the halftime break.
McNeese returned from the break with a different level of intensity in the opening minutes of the second half on the offensive end. The Cowgirl's aggression helped to tie the match 1-1 as Rhiannon Maynes-Tourond connected in the net in the 53rd minute, claiming her second goal of the season. With the tide of momentum up in the air, the rivalry between both programs proved true as the physicality ramped up midway through the half.
Southeastern fought to regain the lead, but McNeese carried more confidence in the second half as it broke through passing lanes to limit opportunities. The Cowgirls worked to go on a rally, but the Lions defense battled with multiple blocked shots and Curran's effort in the net. Senior Loegan Alia stepped up for the hosts with an exceptional slide to break up a solid pass around the net for McNeese.
As both teams continued to search for an opportunity around the net, SLU capitalized off a corner kick opportunity from senior Brooke Opferman. Connell recorded the game winner in the 77th minute of the match off as Sally Bero and Opferman assisted in the electric play, 2-1. The Mandeville, La. native secured her first goal of the season and first career game winner to aid the green and gold in solidifying the victory, keeping the momentum in its favor.
McNeese worked to stay within the fight, attempting 11 shots in the second half though unable to capitalize down the stretch. Southeastern launched seven shots in the final half and 15 total to close out the contest. The Lions also recorded seven shots on goal and four corner kicks to defend their home field while the Cowgirls gained 17 shots and six shots on goal in their match on the road. Goalkeeper Shannon Dempsey played all 90 minutes in the net for McNeese with five saves.
SLU will move forward in conference play traveling to Commerce, Texas to face East Texas A&M Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. Thursday's match against East Texas A&M will be streamed on ESPN+.
SCORE ONE MORE CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the women's soccer program are encouraged to join the Score One More Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Score One More Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern soccer program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Soccer, follow @LionUpSoccer and @Nathan90G on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow slusoccer on Instagram.
