LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA – The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team dropped their first contest of the weekend against Southland Conference rival McNeese State, 1-0 on Friday night.

The Cowgirls (6-7, 2-4) took the lead early in the first half and stayed steady into the rest of the match.  The Cardinals (3-11-1, 1-5-1) could not find their way back after losing control in the 12^th minute.  Morgan Middleton scored after receiving a cross into the box by midfielder Kelley Clancey.  McNeese State continued to test the UIW defense with 10 shots, including six on goal in the first half.  

UIW junior Abigail Koenigs (San Antonio/Brandeis HS) started a chain of UIW offensive attacks in the second 45 minutes and the Cardinals continued to fight back to the end of the game.  After trailing on shot attempts for most the game, UIW topped the Cowgirls by finishing with 19 shots with 12 in the second half alone.  Koenigs led the both teams with nine in the game.  Sydney Huntsinger (New Braunfels/Canyon HS) had to make three of her five saves in the second half while Cowgirls' goalkeeper Maggie Marks split her four evenly per half.

The Cardinals remain on the road to finish the weekend and will attempt to end a four game scoreless streak.  UIW will be stopping in Beaumont, TX to face Lamar University on Sunday at 1 p.m.
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